Rangers already have Lindy Ruff’s replacement in Greg Brown
Lindy Ruff is officially expected to be announced as the NJ Devils new head coach later today. While many are already thinking about names like Sergei Zubov and Dan Girardi to replace him, the Rangers already have someone on the staff.
Back when David Quinn was hired, he wanted to bring in Boston College associate coach, Greg Brown. The Rangers were able to get him to leave BC and join DQ’s staff.
Brown for the most part has been the “eye in the sky” assistant of this staff with David Oliver handling the forwards and Lindy Ruff the defense. Now it is time for Brown to come down permanently and take his rightful place next to Quinn.
Who is Greg Brown
Greg Brown had a brief NHL career of 94 games for the Sabres, Penguins, and Jets between 1990 and 1995. The defenseman started coaching at BC soon after retiring in 2004. He has been an assistant/associate coach for 14 years and focused on the defense and special teams.
Brown already had a solid reputation with players
Brown was very familiar with Chris Kreider and former Ranger, Kevin Hayes whom he helped coach during their entire BC careers. In addition, he coached both Ryan Lindgren and former Ranger, Brady Skjei for team USA. That certainly helped ease his transition.
Of course the biggest reason was the fact he was a teammate of David Quinn’s on the 1986 U.S. World Junior team. The cherry on top was having also played with Blueshirts Legends, Brian Leetch and Mike Richter during his playing career.
Brown works well with the young defenseman
Greg Brown has been doing video work with the young Rangers defensemen since he came on. The transition to take over for Ruff on the bench shouldn’t be too difficult after two seasons.
Being a younger coach, he can also bring some fresh ideas to the Rangers young blue-line. The bottom line is that the team does not need to look outside the organization for help when David Quinn’s guy is already here.
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