Breaking: New York Rangers hire Gerard Gallant as next head coach
The New York Rangers have hired Gerard Gallant to be the next head coach. It is believed to be a four-year deal. As we noted last week, a deal was rumored in the works until Rod Brind’Amour became “available” after the Hurricanes were eliminated from the playoffs.
This likely caused some additional due diligence which Gerard Gallant alluded to on a Sunday interview.
Rangers hire Gerard Gallant
After Gallant guided Team Canada to World Championship Gold, talk was growing that Chris Drury was moving in on closing a deal with the winning coach. I had expected it to be done late last week, but that also coincided with Rod Brind’Amour’s availability.
Yesterday, Gallant alluded to having had conversations and waiting for teams to do their due diligence. He was on SPUD 102 in PEI this Sunday morning and provided an update on his situation. “I’ve had conversation with different teams. Things are moving along,” he told host Paul Schurman. “Teams are doing their due diligence but I’m hoping something is done soon. I wish I could tell you something is done.”
A little more than 24 hours later and Gallant has been hired by the Rangers.
Gerard Gallant was the top coach available
The 57 year-old Gallant was on many NHL teams’ short list of candidates. Gallant interviewed for the Rangers position prior to leaving for Latvia. Pierre LeBrun remarked that interview went very well. “I’m told he left a favorable impression on the Rangers’ brass,” he remarked.
LeBrun also confirmed that Gallant spoke with the Blue Jackets and Kraken. “It’s believed he talked to Seattle in April 2020 but I don’t think the Kraken have circled back. Everywhere he goes, players go through a wall for him.”
I recently spoke to Neil Glasberg who represents Gallant. A client whom he feels blessed to represent. “He’s got game in him, and he’s a fantastic coach,” he exclaimed. “Gallant would be great in multiple organizations. He’s the best of the unemployed experienced coaches out there.”
Roberto Luongo who was Team Canada’s GM heaped praise on Gallant, calling him a player’s coach. The consensus from those who know him well is that he gets his team to commit and then play hard for him.
Gallant will now shepherd this young group into the next stage of their evolution – playoff contention.
