NEWS NOW : Remembering Glen Sather, Edmonton Oilers’ dynasty-builder, who has retired from hockey.see more details.
Here’s an in-depth tribute to Glen “Slats” Sather, the legendary architect of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty and a transformative leader in New York Rangers history. This expansive exploration reflects on his life, career milestones, philosophy, and enduring impact — honoring a man whose imprint on hockey is nothing short of monumental.
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🧭 1. Early Life & Playing Career
Born on September 2, 1943, in High River, Alberta, Glen Cameron Sather embarked on his hockey journey playing junior in Edmonton. He turned pro in 1966–67, beginning a decade-long playing career across several NHL and WHA clubs, including the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars, and the Edmonton Oilers in the WHA .
As a gritty left wing, he compiled 80 goals and 113 assists in 658 NHL games, plus 724 penalty minutes, embodying a two-way playing style . With the Rangers, he even contributed in the 1971–72 Stanley Cup run. In 1976–77, he transitioned into a player-coach role in Edmonton, scoring in his first game as coach, and retired from playing that same season to begin his iconic coaching career .
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2. Edmonton Oilers Dynasty (1977–1990)
2.1 Transition to Coaching & GM
After retiring in 1977, Sather led the Oilers into dominance, initially in the WHA and, from 1979, in the NHL .
2.2 The Gretzky-Giant Core
In 1978, Sather advocated for acquiring Wayne Gretzky, a decision pivotal to the team’s future . Along with his scouting staff, particularly Barry Fraser, he drafted and built around future Hall of Famers like Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, Glenn Anderson, Kevin Lowe, and Grant Fuhr .
2.3 Coaching Success & Trophies
Sather coached the Oilers in 932 NHL regular-season games, leading them to an astonishing 497–307 record with a .706 playoff win percentage — the best all-time . Under his leadership, Edmonton clinched five Stanley Cups: in 1983‑84, ’84‑85, ’86‑87, ’87‑88, and 1989‑90, with Sather coaching the first four .
He earned the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 1985–86 .
2.4 Dynasty by Design
Sather’s philosophy was rooted in creativity, calculated risk, and trust. Former goalie Grant Fuhr said:
> “He gave us a lot of rope, so that we could learn on our own. But he also knew when to yank on the rope to reel us back in.”
Craig MacTavish praised how Sather always had players’ backs personally, reinforcing trust and accountability .
As Sportsnet’s long-ago feature stated, Sather “built a team in Edmonton based on creative hockey, having fun off the ice—but always remembering that the team and winning came before everything else” .
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3. Global Impact & International Achievements
Beyond the NHL, Sather directed Team Canada’s hockey resurgence. He led the country to victory in the 1994 Canada Cup and gold at the 1994 World Hockey Championship, and managed the team for the 1996 World Cup of Hockey .
His contributions to international hockey further solidified his reputation as a builder.
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4. New York Rangers Era (2000–2024)
4.1 Building Foundations
Hiring on June 1, 2000, Sather assumed pivotal roles: President, GM, and eventually Senior Advisor/Alternate Governor .
As GM (2000–2015), he amassed 556 wins and 1,114 games — franchise highs . In 2007–08, under his leadership, the Rangers reached the Stanley Cup Final and between 2005–06 and 2016–17, they made 11 playoff appearances in 12 seasons — one of the most remarkable stretches in team history .
4.2 Runner-Up Accolades
Though no Cup was added, the Rangers secured the Presidents’ Trophy in 2014–15 and again in 2023–24 during Sather’s advisory phase . In 2014, they made it to the Stanley Cup Final, and twice reached the Eastern Conference Final during his advisory years .
4.3 Mentorship & Player Development
Sather’s influence extended off ice; Rangers President GM Chris Drury, whom Sather coached (2007–11), said:
> “I will forever be grateful to Glen for giving me the opportunity to play for the Rangers, and I was so fortunate to lean on him for guidance as I began my own career in the front office.”
Under Sather, key drafted talents emerged: Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal, Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, and others .
4.4 Final Transition & Retirement
He officially stepped down as GM in July 2015, remained President until April 2019, then served in advisory roles until retiring on June 26, 2024 .
At age 80, he closed a six-decade career that included roles as player, coach, GM, president, and advisor .
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5. Honors & Legacy
Hockey Hall of Fame, builder category, 1997
All-time NHL coaching wins list, including a playoff winning percentage record (.706)
The Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic in Edmonton is named in his honor
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summed it up after his retirement:
> “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… He cared deeply about his players as people… supported them through any off‑ice challenges.”
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6. Remembering a True Builder
1. Visionary Team-Building
Instrumental in assembling teams featuring Gretzky, Messier, Coffey, and others.
As Rangers GM, drafted top talent and assembled competitive rosters.
2. Coaching Excellence & Winning
Five Stanley Cups, four as coach, across five finals appearances.
Holds best playoff win percentage in NHL coaching history (.706)
3. Holistic Leadership & Mentorship
Balanced discipline with autonomy — players trusted him and he protected them personally.
Mentored future leaders like Chris Drury.
4. International Impact
Led Canada to international success in the Canada Cup, World Championship, and World Cup of Hockey.
5. Longevity & Enduring Influence
Spanning six decades, his roles and impact evolved — but his commitment to excellence remained constant.
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7. Final Reflections
Born just outside Calgary, Sather’s Alberta roots fostered his deep hockey passion.
As “Slats,” he cultivated dynasties — from the quintet of Oilers Stanley Cups to the Rangers’ modern competitive era.
He masterfully navigated management, coaching, scouting, and mentorship across six decades.
His approach was deeply human — offering structure, support, and accountability to players and staff alike.
Today, his legacy lives on in championship banners, national team gold, the Rangers’ competitive evolution, and clinics bearing his name.
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8. Legacy Beyond the Rink
A builder in every sense, Sather crafted team cultures, molded young talent into leaders, and reshaped entire franchises. His fingerprints are on every trophy, playoff run, and organizational philosophy he touched. The NHL — and hockey world — will forever remember Glen Sather as a visionary who prioritized people, potential, and passion.
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In Sum
Glen Sather — player, coach, GM, president, adviser — stands as one of hockey’s most influential figures. His extraordinary vision, coaching brilliance, and leadership transformed the Edmonton Oilers into a powerhouse, elevated the New York Rangers to new heights, and left Canada stronger on the international stage. With five Stanley Cups, Hall of Fame honors, and a career marked by dignity and dedication, his retirement on June 26, 2024 concluded a remarkable era — but his legacy, woven into trophies, coaching trees, and the hearts of players, endures.