NEW YORK, July 1 (UPI) -- The New York Rangers Tuesday traded the rights of veteran center Mark Messier to the San Jose Sharks for future considerations.
The deal was consummated just before midnight Eastern time, when eligible players became free agents. Messier, 42, an unrestricted free agent, can sign with any team, including the Rangers, whom he helped win the Stanley Cup in 1994 and returned to captain in 2000-01 after a three-year absence.
The 14-time All-Star won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's MVP in 1990 and '92, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1984.
He will embark upon his 25th NHL season next winter. He had 18 goals and 22 assists in 78 games last season, was third on the team with eight power-play goals, and first with five game-winners.
It marked the second straight day the Rangers dealt an aging, impending free agent. On Monday, they traded All-Star defenseman Brian Leetch to Edmonton.
