Jeff Gorton replaces Glen Sather as Rangers GM

Glen Sather stepped aside Wednesday as New York Rangers general manager and was replaced by assistant GM Jeff Gorton, the team announced.

Sather will continue with the organization as team president, but he will cease in the running of day-to-day operations.

"Jeff has been an integral part of our success since joining the Rangers, and he has earned the respect of colleagues throughout the hockey community," said Sather, who has been both the Rangers' president and GM since 2000. "He is well prepared for and extremely deserving of this opportunity."

The 46-year-old Gorton has been a coveted candidate for vacant management positions in the NHL in recent years. The Rangers have denied multiple teams' requests to interview Gorton for vacancies the past two summers, wanting to keep him within the organization to eventually succeed Sather.

In addition, the Rangers promoted former NHL coach Jim Schoenfeld to the role of senior vice president, and he'll continue as the general manager of the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers' AHL affiliate.

"Jim has played a pivotal role in several areas during his tenure with the Rangers," Sather said. "He is a valuable member of our staff and he will continue to benefit the organization at both the NHL and AHL levels."