Bobby Carpenter C (1986-1987) Rick Chartraw D (1982-1984) Bill Collins C (1975-1976) Dan Fritsche C (2008-2009)
Today in NYR History July 13
2000: The Rangers sign free agent center Mark Messier.
One of the first moves by new general manager Glen Sather is to bring back Messier, who signs a two-year contract. The news conference announcing his return begins with Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts admitting that letting Messier go to Vancouver after the Rangers make the Eastern Conference Final in 1997 was a mistake.
Upon Messier's return after 3 years in Vancouver, Brian Leetch turns the captaincy over to Messier, who would score 24 goals and 67 points in 82 games that season.
The highlight comes when defenseman Brian Leetch, who's named captain after Messier leaves, takes out a Rangers jersey and unfolds it; Messier's No. 11 is on the back and the captain's "C" is on the front. He invites Messier to "come up and put on the jersey that looks best on you."
Messier would play four more seasons before calling it a career after the 2003-04 season.
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