The New York Rangers' history is filled with "what if" moments, and one name consistently surfaces in these discussions: Joe Sakic. While Sakic, a Hall of Famer, didn't inflict much on-ice heartbreak during his NHL career due to spending the majority of it in the Western Conference, his presence—or near-presence—continues to haunt the Rangers.
In the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, the Rangers, like many other teams, misjudged Sakic's potential. Sakic, who had amassed 293 points in 136 games with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League, was available when the Rangers drafted 10th overall. Instead of Sakic, they selected something else. Quebec Nordiques picked Sakic 15th overall.
Sakic debuted with the Nordiques in the 1988-89 season, recording 62 points in 70 games. He followed this with five consecutive seasons of point totals exceeding 90, establishing himself as a top player. After the Nordiques relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche before the 1995-96 season, Sakic led the team to a Stanley Cup victory, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with 120 points.
The most significant "what if" moment occurred in the summer of 1997 when Sakic became a restricted free agent. The Rangers, seeking a replacement for Mark Messier, who had departed for the Vancouver Canucks, offered Sakic a three-year, $21 million contract. The offer sheet was structured with a "poison pill" provision, including a $15 million signing bonus. This put significant financial pressure on the Avalanche, whose parent company, Ascent Entertainment, was facing financial difficulties.
Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts front-loaded the offer, hoping that the Avalanche's financial struggles would prevent them from matching it. However, a surprising turn of events saved the day for Colorado. The film "Air Force One," released that July, became a massive hit, grossing $315.1 million worldwide. This unexpected financial windfall gave Ascent the confidence to match the Rangers' offer on August 14, 1997, ensuring Sakic remained with the Avalanche.
Had the Rangers successfully signed Sakic, the course of their history might have been drastically different. In the 1997-98 season, the Rangers missed the playoffs, leading them to trade for Buffalo Sabres center Pat LaFontaine. With Sakic, the Rangers would have likely made the playoffs. Alongside players like Wayne Gretzky, Mike Keane, and Brian Skrudland, Sakic would have created a formidable offensive force.
Sakic spent his entire 21-year NHL career with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise, becoming one of the greatest team leaders in NHL history. He captained the team from 1992 and motivated his team consistently. Sakic led the Avalanche to Stanley Cup titles in 1996 and 2001, earning the Hart Memorial Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award in 2001. He retired in 2009 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.
After retiring as a player, Sakic transitioned to the front office, ultimately becoming the team's general manager and president. In 2022, he led the Avalanche to another Stanley Cup victory, further solidifying his legacy with the franchise. Sakic's successful transition from player to executive underscores what the Rangers missed out on. Joe Sakic easily could have been a reality for the Rangers.
