Peter Laviolette could be named Rangers head coach next week
The New York Rangers and what seems like the inevitable hiring of Peter Laviolette may take place next week.
Based on the latest update by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the day-one front-runner to replace Gerard Gallant is close to taking over the Rangers’ bench.
“A lot of people are beginning to lean Laviolette,” Friedman said. “If it is Laviolette, we are going to find out next week. That’s where I sit with the Rangers coaching job.”
As for when the announcements could come? The Stanley Cup Final begins next Saturday and the Western Conference Finals could finish as early as Monday or Wednesday the latest. Look for an announcement between Tuesday and Friday.
Related: Rangers may name head coach soon
Peter Laviolette likely next Rangers coach
On Friday, Friedman reported that the Rangers were closer to naming a head coach than originally thought.
Forever Blueshirts learned that Peter Laviolette was the most logical fit because of his vast experience and having a résumé that includes a Stanley Cup championship.
Laviolette, 58, was fired by the Washington Capitals this past season after failing to make the playoffs. While a head coach is ultimately responsible, the Caps are an aging team that had a plethora of injuries to deal with all year. Big names like Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson, and John Carlson all missed large chunks of the 2022-23 campaign.
“I do want to coach again if somebody will have me,” Laviolette said after his dismissal. “I go to my Finals record and it’s 1-2, and that bothers me… I would like to at least like to even that up.”
The veteran coach is the safest choice because he checks all the boxes ownership and management are looking for in their next hire. A Stanley Cup ring won in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes is a big plus in their eyes.
Laviolette has a career coaching record of 752-503-25-150 and a proven track record of getting star players to perform.
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