Rangers Roundup: Gerard Gallant interviewed with Blue Jackets, Nils Lundkvist injury, and more

gerard gallant
Sep 16, 2018; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant talks to reporters following an exhibition game between the Golden Knights and the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers top coaching candidate has interviewed for another open job. Aaron Portzline of the Athletic reports that Gerard Gallant met with the Blue Jackets last week via Zoom at the World Championships.

Earlier this week I got a small update on the Rangers coaching search. We know of two interviews that took place, Gerard Gallant and Rick Tocchet with more expected. From what I could gather, there is no urgency on the part of the Rangers to hire a coach. This will be a thorough and detailed process that Chris Drury will follow.

Kyle Hall of Belly Up Sports recently asked Latvia’s head coach Bob Hartley about his rumored connection to the Rangers coaching job. “We are at the World Championships,” he said. “My focus is on Team Latvia.” Considering that Gallant interviewed from the World’s it is very likely that Hartley could have done the same.

The biggest question for me is the absolute radio silence with regards to John Tortorella. There’s been almost no talk on Torts from any NHL team. He is a listed client per the PBI Sports website. “I really haven’t worked with him much lately,” Neil Glasberg said. “He’s not ready to retire, but if someone presented him with a management opportunity I don’t think he’d say no. He loves the game and he’s passionate.”

This could be why we really haven’t heard much about Tortorella regarding some of these vacancies. I’m not ruling out a Torts return behind the bench, but it could explain why we haven’t heard his name yet. As far as I’m aware he has yet to speak with any NHL teams.

Nils Lunkkvist injured

Nils Lundkvist
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers prospect defenseman, Nils Lundkvist was injured in a collision at the World Championships and is out with a lower-body injury.

“After the examinations today it is unfortunately became clear that Nils Lundkvist’s injury makes more games at the World Championship impossible,” team doctor Jonas Kalman said in a statement of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association. “He will return home to Sweden for further examination to ensure the right treatment for his injury.”

IIHF

There is still no word as to the extent of the injury, although it is not believed to be serious.

NHL releases Final Draft Prospect Rankings

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Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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