Glen Sather's 5 Best Moves As Rangers GM

By Daniel Friedman
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In light of the news that Glen Sather has stepped down as general manager of the New York Rangers -- a post he'd held since 2000 -- we look back at the five best moves made by the organization during his tenure:

5. Rangers acquire Derick Brassard, Derek Dorsett, John Moore and a 6th round pick from Columbus, in exchange for Marian Gaborik, Blake Parlett and Steven Delisle (2013)

Having acquired Rick Nash and knowing Gaborik was soon going to be up for free agency, the Rangers dealt the Slovakian sniper and wound up with Brassard, who now plays an integral role within the team's offense.

4. Rangers acquire Rick Nash, Steven Delisle and a 3rd round pick from Columbus, in exchange for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon and a 1st round pick (2012)

The Jackets were desperate to move Nash, who had asked out, and didn't have much leverage. The Blueshirts took advantage. And though it cost them significant manpower, all of players they traded were replaced fairly easily (and not long afterward), and they ended up with a superstar.

3. Rangers acquire Jaromir Jagr from Washington, in exchange for Anson Carter (2004)

Sather had been trying to get Jagr for a few years, and was eventually able to get him on the cheap. Jagr's value had diminished because things hadn't been working out for him in D.C. Suffice to say, his situation vastly improved upon his arrival in New York.

2. Rangers acquire Ryan McDonagh, Chris Higgins, Doug Janik and Pavel Valentenko from Montreal, in exchange for Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Mike Busto

This was probably one of the biggest heists in NHL history. The Blueshirts unloaded Gomez's absurd contract and, in addition, brought one of hockey's best defensive prospects into the fold. He wound up becoming a pretty good player, that McDonagh kid.

1. Rangers select Henrik Lundqvist 205th overall (7th round) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft

Nothing tops this one. Without Lundqvist, the Rangers aren't where they are today. He was a steal, and the pick has paid tremendous dividends.