Rundown on the latest with the New York Rangers coaching search
The New York Rangers are still interviewing candidates for their vacant head coaching position. 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.
Let’s quickly review the top candidates with the latest news and info surrounding them.
New York Rangers Coaching Candidates: Confirmed Interviews
Gerard Gallant: 270-216-4-51
The 57 year-old Gallant is on many NHL team’s short list of candidates. Gallant interviewed for the position prior to leaving for Latvia to coach Team Canada at the World Championships. Pierre LeBrun remarked that interview went very well. He is the front-runner to be the next coach. He’s also interviewed with the Blue Jackets.
Rick Tocchet: 178-200-60
The 57 year-old former NHL power forward took the reins as head coach back in 2017. He is widely considered an up and coming coach who knows how to relate to his players. Tocchet interviewed with the Rangers last week and has an outside chance to land the job. He also spoke with the Seattle Kraken and Buffalo Sabres.
New York Rangers Coaching Candidates: On the rumored list for interviews
John Tortorella: 673-541-37-132
The 62 year-old Torts is 12th all-time on the NHL’s win list. His best record for a team came when he coached the Rangers from 2008 to 2012. He amassed a record of 171-118-1-29 for a .583 winning percentage. There’s been very little buzz around his name this offseason, and he may be interested in a management position.
Bob Hartley: 463-361-61-59
One potential candidate is former Avalanche coach Bob Hartley. When asked if he interviewed for the job he said, “We are at the World Championships. My focus is on Team Latvia.” The 60 year-old bench boss just won the KHL’s Championship.
Patrick Roy: 130-92-24
The 50 year-old Patrick Roy hired Neil Glasberg to get back into the NHL. He is a former teammate of Chris Drury’s and they are rumored to have had a conversation.
Bruce Boudreau: 567-302-115
The 66 year-old Boudreau was let go by Minnesota last season. He is currently in the broadcast booth and interviewing for head coaching jobs. He has at least spoken with one team, the Buffalo Sabres.
Claude Julien: 667-445-10-152
The 61 year-old Julien was let go by Montreal this season after suffering a heart attack the year before. Julien is a Stanley Cup winner with the Boston Bruins in 2010-11. His name has surprisingly not been mentioned much this offseason.
New York Rangers Coaching Candidates: Long Shot
Joel Quenneville: 962-572-77-150
The 62 year-old Quenneville would automatically become the top candidate out there if rumors he wants out of Florida are true. In the playoffs, he’s 120-103 which meets Drury’s desire for a proven winner. His Stanley Cup runs with the Blackhawks and what he’s done with the Panthers makes him one of the best coaches in the game today.
Massive NHL Rumors Update
Get up to speed on all the biggest rumors since last Sunday here.
More About:New York Rangers News New York Rangers Analysis