New York Rangers hire Mike Grier as new hockey operations adviser

Though it had been previously reported by Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the New York Rangers made it official Wednesday and announced Mike Grier as a new hockey operations advisor. In the role, Grier will work with the hockey operations department on hockey-related decisions, while assisting prospects in the organization with on-ice and off-ice development.

As Brooks pointed out, Grier has a long history with Rangers president and GM Chris Drury, going back to their days together at Boston University. The two were teammates again with the Buffalo Sabres for several seasons and even suited up for USA Hockey at the 2004 World Championships. In a playing career that spanned more than 1,000 games, Grier recorded 383 points.

His addition replaces the outgoing Brian Leetch, who left the organization soon after the Rangers decided to fire John Davidson, Jeff Gorton and David Quinn. Grier’s resume does not only include his playing days though. He was also a scout with the Chicago Blackhawks for several seasons and served as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils for two years. He’ll now rejoin his old teammate and try to help get the Rangers over the hump and back into postseason contention.