Rangers GM Glen Sather undecided about whether he'll return

New York Rangers general manager Glen Sather is currently undecided about whether he will return in his role next season, a team spokesperson confirmed to ESPN.com.

The New York Post was the first to report that Sather was considering stepping down from his position as team president and general manager, posts that he has held since 2000.

Should Sather step down, assistant general manager Jeff Gorton would be his likely successor with Gorton having shouldered the bulk of day-to-day operations running the team in recent years. The fact that Gorton has been so sought after for management vacancies around the league is likely a factor in Sather's decision to contemplate stepping down.

The Rangers have been contacted for permission to interview Gorton by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins this year; the Pittsburgh Penguinsrequested permission last year. The Rangers have declined those requests.

If Sather abandons the position, it is unlikely he would leave the organization entirely. It is possible he could retain his role as president but relinquish the day-to-day oversight, similar to what longtime New Jersey Devils executive Lou Lamoriello did when he hired Ray Shero to replace him as GM this spring.