New York Rangers make Gerard Gallant hire official
The New York Rangers have officially announced the hiring of Gerard Gallant as the 36th head coach in franchise history.
“I would like to welcome Gerard to the New York Rangers,” owner James Dolan said in the team’s press release. “Gerard’s proven track record has made him one of the league’s most sought-after coaches, and we are fortunate to have him as part of the team. I have no doubt that he will play a critical role in helping us take the next steps to building a championship-caliber team.”
Official: New York Rangers hire Gerard Gallant
Gerard Gallant was a star player in the NHL with Detroit Red Wings prior to becoming a head coach. He’s been successful in all three NHL stops which includes the Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights. The 57 year-old coach has a record of 270-216-4-51 for a .550 points percentage.
“We are excited to announce that Gerard will be the next Head Coach of the New York Rangers,” President and General Manager Chris Drury said. “His vast experience and success behind the bench at several levels make him the ideal choice to lead our team on the ice.”
NYR Press Release
His most recent success came with Team Canada in the 2021 IIHF World Championships capturing Gold. Gallant is now set to guide the Rangers to the next level.
What people are saying about Gerard Gallant
Former Ranger and old-time hockey advocate Ron Duguay was lobbying for Gallant’s hire from day one. He also played with him in Detroit and calls him a friend.
“Gerry had a calming presence in the locker room,” Duguay said of Gallant. “But when he competed on the ice, he made a great teammate because you always knew he had your back. You always admire guys that are willing to fight for you and cover for you, Gerry is all about that. He knows how to speak to a younger player and knows how to speak to a veteran.”
Another former Ranger who played for Gallant when he was with the Florida Panthers from 2015-2017 is Jaromir Jagr. He had glowing remarks about his old coach, especially about connecting with star players.
“It’s going to be good for the players, and the star players are going to like it because he knows how to relate to them,” Jagr told Larry Brooks of the NY Post. “And the reason for that is that he was a very good player, he was a star in the NHL, playing with a star like Stevie Yzerman in Detroit. So he knows what the stars need. Nobody can really tell you that. It’s something you have to feel. It’s something you have to know. You need the personal experience. That’s a big advantage.”
Jagr also made it clear that Gallant is no pushover and will bench a star player too. The difference he says it that Gallant doesn’t hold a grudge and it rarely carries over into the next the game.
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