What Happened to Mark Messier?
Mark Messier is a legendary Canadian former professional ice hockey player, widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in NHL history, with a career spanning 25 seasons and six Stanley Cup championships. Since retiring in 2005, he has transitioned into a prominent role as a hockey analyst for ESPN and Prime Video, while also co-founding the multi-faceted sports entertainment and apparel brand 'Game 7' and continuing his extensive philanthropic work.
Quick Answer
Mark Messier, a six-time Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Hall of Famer, remains deeply involved in the sport as a lead studio analyst for ESPN's NHL coverage and a contributor to Prime Video's 'Prime Monday Night Hockey'. He is also the co-founder of 'Game 7,' a sports entertainment and apparel brand that launched its NHL collection in late 2025 and became an official jersey patch partner of the New York Rangers. Messier continues his philanthropic efforts and, as of June 2026, personally selects the recipient of the annual Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
Mark Messier, a future NHL legend, was born in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada.
NHL Debut with Edmonton Oilers
Messier began his illustrious 25-season NHL career, joining the Edmonton Oilers.
Wins First Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy
Messier won his first of five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Traded to New York Rangers
After a dominant run with the Oilers, Messier was traded to the New York Rangers, where he would become a pivotal leader.
Leads Rangers to Stanley Cup
Messier famously guaranteed a Game 6 victory in the Eastern Conference Finals and led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, becoming the only player to captain two teams to championships.
Announces Retirement from NHL
After 25 seasons, Mark Messier officially announced his retirement from professional hockey on ESPN radio.
Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
Messier was a first-ballot inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary career achievements.
NHL Establishes Mark Messier Leadership Award
The NHL created an annual award in his honor, recognizing players who exemplify great leadership qualities, with Messier personally selecting the recipient.
Joins ESPN/ABC as Lead Studio Analyst
Messier signed a deal with ESPN/ABC to lead their new NHL studio coverage, becoming a prominent voice in hockey analysis.
Co-founds 'Game 7' Brand
Messier partnered with Danny DeVito and others to launch 'Game 7,' a multi-platform sports entertainment and lifestyle brand focused on pivotal moments in sports.
Joins Prime Video's 'Prime Monday Night Hockey'
Messier was announced as a contributor to Amazon's new NHL broadcast, further expanding his media presence.
'Game 7' Becomes NY Rangers Jersey Patch Partner
Messier's 'Game 7' brand made history by becoming the first official jersey patch partner of the New York Rangers for their centennial season.
'Game 7' Expands into NHL Apparel
The 'Game 7' brand launched its officially licensed NHL apparel line, with Messier promoting the collection.
Attends 'Drive Home the Cup' Event
Messier brought the Stanley Cup to St. John's, Newfoundland, to honor a local hockey coach as part of Hyundai's community initiative.
Appears on ESPN's First Take and Selects Leadership Award Winner
Messier appeared on ESPN's First Take during the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals and, on the same day, Gabriel Landeskog was announced as his personal selection for the 2026 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Mark Messier, born January 18, 1961, carved out an illustrious 25-season career in the National Hockey League, primarily with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers. Known for his fierce competitiveness and unparalleled leadership, Messier won five Stanley Cups with the Oilers in the 1980s and famously led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994, earning him the nickname 'The Messiah'. He retired in September 2005, ranking second all-time in playoff points and third in regular season points. His number 11 was retired by both the Rangers and Oilers in 2006 and 2007, respectively, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
Following his retirement, Messier remained a prominent figure in the hockey world. He served as a special assistant to the president and general manager of the New York Rangers and was involved with Hockey Canada. In 2007, the NHL established the Mark Messier Leadership Award, given annually to a player exemplifying leadership on and off the ice, with Messier personally selecting the winner. He also ventured into media, joining Rogers Communications as a spokesperson and analyst for their national NHL coverage in 2014. In 2021, Messier signed a significant deal with ESPN/ABC to become a lead studio analyst for their NHL coverage, a role he continues to hold. In September 2024, he also joined Prime Video's 'Prime Monday Night Hockey' as a contributor.
A key turning point in his post-playing career entrepreneurial endeavors came in October 2023, when Messier co-founded 'Game 7,' a multi-platform sports and entertainment brand, in partnership with actor Danny DeVito, Isaac Chera, and Mat Vlasic. The brand launched a five-part docuseries on Amazon Prime Video and expanded into apparel. In April 2025, Game 7 launched an apparel collection with Centric Brands, initially focusing on NBA merchandise. By September 2025, 'Game 7' made history by becoming the first official jersey patch partner of the New York Rangers during their centennial season. The brand further expanded into officially licensed NHL apparel in December 2025, with Messier making appearances to promote the launch.
Beyond his media and business ventures, Messier maintains a strong commitment to philanthropy through the Mark Messier Foundation, which focuses on enriching the lives of children in underserved communities. He also supports organizations like Answer the Call (NY Police & Fire Widows' and Children's Fund) and the Tomorrows Children's Fund. As of June 12, 2026, Messier continues his roles as an ESPN analyst, actively promotes the 'Game 7' brand, and recently participated in the 'Hyundai Drive Home the Cup' event in St. John's, Newfoundland, in March 2026, honoring a local hockey coach. He also appeared on ESPN's First Take during the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals on June 9, 2026, discussing the series. On the same day, Gabriel Landeskog was announced as the recipient of the 2026 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, a selection made personally by Messier.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Mark Messier made different choices?