Mark Messier

After the 1991 season ended, Messier's contract had expired and he held out for more money at the beginning of the 1991-92 season. He asked to be traded, and wanted to go to New York, a city that fit his flamboyant personality. Messier was traded to New York Rangers in October 1991. He was named team captain as soon as the trade was complete.

Messier became a star in New York, the media capital of the world. He played well in 1991-92, scoring thirty-five goals and seventy-two assists. He won another Hart Trophy and Pearson Award in 1992. Messier then signed a five-year deal worth $13 million. While he made his teammates better, Messier did clash with management. He had conflicts with Roger Neilson, who was the coach of the Rangers at the time. This led to Neilson being fired in 1993.