Don Maloney, the voice of reason in the Rangers front office who can largely be credited for weeding out the organization’s big-spending efforts and opting instead to build from within, was named the new General Manager of the Phoenix Coyotes today.

It’s a great opportunity for Maloney, and he’s got a blank canvas in Phoenix on which he can paint the proof of his managerial expertise. The Coyotes look like they have a long way to go before they can contend again — dwelling in the basement of the Campbell Conference — but Maloney’s work with the Rangers is a good sign that things will turn around for the former Jets.

I won’t speak for anyone else, but I think losing him to another team is a big loss for the Rangers. Still, his absence creates the potential for succession by Mark Messier.