Rangers Rumors: John Hynes now front-runner to be next coach
The New York Rangers may be selecting John Hynes as their next head coach based on the latest speculation coming out of the NHL Combine.
Per Elliotte Friedman on the Jeff Marek Show, it appears Hynes is the leading candidate to get the job.
“There seems to be a feeling at the Combine that Hynes has a great shot at it,” Friedman said. “I do believe they had another interview with Hynes this week.”
The Nashville Predators dismissed Hynes in favor of Andrew Brunette on May 30. Not too long after, GM Chris Drury sought permission to speak with him via the NY Post.
Initially, I didn’t believe he would be under serious consideration due to a playoff coaching record of 4-15 (.211 winning percentage). The Rangers are a Stanley Cup contender and Hynes has zero playoff series wins in four postseason appearances over an 8 year NHL coaching career. His overall regular-season record is 284-254-63.
In speaking with a knowledgeable source, they made it clear that no one really knows what Drury is doing. Much like Lou Lamoriello, he plays it close to the vest. However, it was also passed along to me that these rumblings regarding Hynes are true and it would not be surprising if he’s named the head coach.
Rangers Rumors: John Hynes next coach?
This is obviously a decision that Drury has struggled with since relieving Gerard Gallant of his duties on May 6.
Over the last month, Peter Laviolette was considered the favorite to become the next coach of the Rangers. When Hynes was let go, Drury seemed to shift towards his old friend from Boston University.
The 48 year-old coach has an excellent mind for strategy, but he’s never been able to win when it counts. However, he’s still one of the few experienced options out there and that helps. It’s very likely that Hynes’ coaching philosophy aligns more with Drury’s than Laviolette’s and that’s why he’s become the front-runner.
At the end of the day, winning falls on the players committing to a system and performing when in the clutch. That being said, if Drury goes with Hynes over Laviolette and the decision backfires, next summer could be about looking for a new GM.
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