OFFICIAL: New York Rangers hire Peter Laviolette as next head coach
The New York Rangers have made it official by hiring Peter Laviolette as the 37th head coach in franchise history on Tuesday.
While there may have been many twists and turns in this lengthy process, Laviolette was considered the front-runner from the moment Gerard Gallant was dismissed on May 6.
“We are thrilled that Peter will be the next Head Coach of the New York Rangers,” President and GM Chris Drury said in a press release. “With Peter’s extensive experience as a Head Coach in the National Hockey League, as well as the success his teams have had at several levels throughout his career, we are excited about what the future holds with him leading our team.”
Update: Per multiple reports, Peter Laviolette’s contract is for three years. The introductory press conference will be next Tuesday (June 20).
Rangers hire Peter Laviolette
Laviolette, 58, was the best available choice for the Rangers because he’s a veteran coach with a Stanley Cup ring won in 2006 (Carolina Hurricanes). He also has a career coaching record of 752-503-25-150 with a 78-76 mark in the playoffs. He’s also been to three Stanley Cup Finals (2006, 2010, 2017).
“Peter’s impressive resumé, which includes winning a Stanley Cup and advancing to the Final with three different teams, has made him one of the most respected coaches in the league,” owner James Dolan said in a statement. “As we move forward in our goal to consistently contend for the Stanley Cup, I am confident that Peter is the right head coach to lead our team.”
Laviolette was fired by the Washington Capitals this past season after failing to make the playoffs. While a head coach is ultimately responsible, the Caps were an aging team that had a plethora of injuries to deal with all year. Big names like Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson, and John Carlson all missed large chunks of the 2022-23 campaign.
“I do want to coach again if somebody will have me,” Laviolette said after his dismissal. “I go to my Finals record and it’s 1-2, and that bothers me… I would like to at least like to even that up.”
He will now get his chance with the New York Rangers.
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