Is Patrick Roy why the Rangers haven’t named a coach yet?
Legendary NHL goalie Patrick Roy guided the Quebec Remparts to a Memorial Cup win on Sunday night and could very well be the reason why the New York Rangers have yet to name a new head coach.
Weeks after dismissing Gerard Gallant and with plenty of speculation that Peter Laviolette is the front-runner to land the job, it’s still not a done deal. While it may end up with him behind the Rangers’ bench next season, especially after meeting with GM Chris Drury a second time on Friday, Roy should at least get an interview.
UPDATE: Patrick Roy not a Rangers coaching candidate
Patrick Roy a strong candidate
The 57 year-old is a winner of four Stanley Cup rings and three Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP during his 17-year Hall of Fame career.
When it was time to hang up his skates, Roy eyed a future as a head coach. Last night, his Remparts completed a dream season winning the Memorial Cup over the Seattle Thunderbirds.
“I just want them to enjoy it,” Roy deflected a question about himself. “That’s their moment… I’m so proud of them. It’s fun to be part of the journey and see them so happy.”
In 13 seasons behind the Remparts bench over 18 years, he’s amassed a record of 518-321-0 for a .617 winning percentage. Roy has also reached the postseason in 12 of those seasons.
Team President and GM Chris Drury played with Roy as a member of the Colorado Avalanche and won a Stanley Cup together in 2001. Both are considered fiery competitors which may be one of the key issues if Roy doesn’t get an interview.
Roy was also head coach of the Avs for three seasons amassing a record 130-92-24 and winning the Jack Adams Trophy in his first year behind the bench. However, he didn’t leave them on the best of terms in 2016 and had issues with Joe Sakic before resigning. He hasn’t been able to get an NHL head coaching job since.
Forever Blueshirts spoke with his agent Neil Glasberg of PBI Sports back in 2021 prior to the Rangers hiring Gerard Gallant.
“The problem is he’s very intimidating, and what happened in Colorado years ago is irrelevant,” Glasberg said. “He’s one of the smartest hockey guys I’ve worked with and is an incredible assessor of talent. He knows how to get guys motivated.”
It sounds like Roy could be exactly what the Rangers need. Someone who understands the X’s and O’s of hockey but can also motivate his stars.
“He is a winner through and through,” Glasberg added. “And he’s competitive as hell.”
Roy recently told TSN he’s willing to listen to NHL head coach offers but wanted to do so after the Memorial Cup.
“If I receive calls, I will listen,” he replied. “You know like me, rumours are rumours…I’d rather focus on what I can control, and what I can control is how we prepare our team for Friday night against Halifax.”
TSN
With Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final scheduled for tonight, it’s unlikely the Rangers will announce a new coach. That gives them an entire day to interview Roy before making a decision.
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