The Rangers will take on the Islanders tonight in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In the meantime, let’s check in on two former great Blueshirts.
Both Mark Messier and Henrik Lundqvist are retired from playing but remain an integral part of both the Rangers and the NHL.
Mark Messier features in new ESPN video
Six-time Stanley Cup Champion Mark Messier will be joining his buddy Wayne Gretzky in the TV analyst game next season. ESPN announced a multi-year agreement with him as a studio analyst on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Hulu.
“The game of hockey, and the NHL, have afforded me enormous opportunity, success and experiences on the ice and in my life,” said Messier. “My passion for the game is as strong as it has ever been and I am looking forward to sharing that passion, plus my insights and analysis with the sport’s incredible fans. The NHL is beginning a new era with ESPN and The Walt Disney Company — with an exciting, evolving game and phenomenally talented players — and I am thrilled to be a part of the team.”
In a new video, Messier narrates ESPN’s rich history covering the NHL. It’s worth a watch and has some of Mess’ greatest Ranger moments in there.
Henrik Lundqvist retirement plans
NHL.com’s Dan Rosen caught up with Henrik Lundqvist in a great new interview. They touched on many subjects but here’s Hank’s plans post retirement. None of which sounds like he will be joining the Blueshirts organization any time soon.
“I still love the game. I think I’ll be involved, but we’ll see in what ways because I want to do other things too,” Henrik said. “I have a couple projects in Sweden, investment stuff and different opportunities. But also over here with all the people I met through the years there’s a lot of opportunities.”
For now, it seems like Lundqvist wants to take advantage of simple things like being with his family and taking winter vacation which he couldn’t do as a player.
“I think it comes down to not only what I want to do but how much do I want to do because now you have the freedom you have never had as an athlete to plan things and go away, trips. You do that in the summertime, but not in the fall, winter or spring,” he explained. “I’ve been around a lot now for 14 months because I was home all last year. I was training and trying to get back, so it was a little different because my mindset was on trying to come back, but now I know for sure it’s done.”
NHL News: Ovechkin hurt in preseason finale
The Capitals may be without their captain and top goal scorer Alex Ovechkin to start the season. In an exhibition contest last night against the Flyers he left the game with a lower-body injury. Read more here.
NHL News: Alex Ovechkin injured in Caps preseason finale; Leafs and Sens allowed full capacity; and more scores
More must-reads: