Sather retires after 45-year NHL executive career

New York Rangers senior adviser Glen Sather announced his retirement Wednesday.

Sather's NHL front-office career spanned over four decades, beginning as head coach and vice president of hockey operations with the Edmonton Oilers in 1979-80. He won five Stanley Cups with the Oilers - four as head coach, general manager, and president - and one more while holding the latter two titles.

"Slats" joined the Rangers organization in 2000-01, serving as president and GM until 2014-15. He oversaw two division titles and one Stanley Cup Final appearance over that time. He stayed on as president for three more years with Jeff Gorton as GM before transitioning into an advisory role in 2019-20.

"Having the opportunity to be associated with the National Hockey League, and specifically the New York Rangers and Edmonton Oilers, has been one of the great privileges of my life," Sather said.

Sather played 10 NHL seasons from 1966-76 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a builder in 1997.

“The National Hockey League congratulates Glen Sather on his retirement and salutes him for his legendary career," commissioner Gary Bettman said. "Whether with the dynastic Edmonton Oilers teams of the 1980s, the contending New York Rangers clubs of recent years, or various iterations of Team Canada, Sather always showed a keen eye for elite talent and a deft touch for bringing out its best.

"As important, he cared deeply about his players as people, sought to develop them as men and supported them through any off-ice challenges."