Rangers Name Sather GM

NHL teams

"I said we'd do a methodical search," Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts said. "We said we'd look for someone with a track record of success, someone that had a connection with the Rangers and that is what we have found."

Checketts said that Sather will have complete control over New York's hockey operations.

"I wanted to make sure we were on the same page as far as our attitudes as to what we wanted to accomplish and what they wanted to accomplish," Sather said.

Sather built the Edmonton Oilers dynasty that won five Stanley Cups 1984-90.

"It was a tough decision to leave, but I think that in everyone's life it's time to make a change," said Sather, who would not disclose how many teams sought his services. "It was time for me to make a change and I feel very fortunate that coming to New York was an opportunity for me."

The Rangers have the leagues highest payroll at $61 million, but failed to make the playoffs. It is the first time since 1963-66 the Rangers missed the playoffs in three consecutive years.

"I haven't had the chance to get into why the personnel didn't perform up to expectations," Sather said. "I'm going to do that, just give me about 10 minutes."

Checketts said he wanted a person who would restore the the team's honor and pride.

"I wanted somebody who played here, who understood what it meant to pull on a Rangers sweater," Checketts said. "Delivering Glen to our fans is the best thing we could do."