Esposito Named GM by Rangers

Phil Esposito, a hockey Hall of Fame center with the Chicago Black Hawks, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, was named the Rangers’ vice president and general manager Monday.

Esposito, 44, who most recently has been the color commentator for Ranger games, signed a three-year contract. He replaces Craig Patrick, whose contract was not renewed after six years, including parts of two seasons as coach.

Patrick took over as general manager before the 1981-82 season. Last season, the Rangers finished fourth in the Patrick Division with a 36-38-6 record but still made the playoffs, where they lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the semifinals. They had a 26-44-10 mark the previous year, a franchise record for losses.