Coach Patrick Roy said the disciplinary move will last only one game and that the speedy center will be back in the lineup when the Islanders visit the Washington Capitals on Friday. Barzal did take part in the morning skate after his late arrival, but Erik Heineman replaced him on the top power-play unit.

“That’s the culture of our team, we made the decision to not play him tonight,” Roy explained. “Barzal doesn’t feel good about it, but he respects and understands it.

“Like I said to him, it happened to me when I was in Colorado. Different way, but (I) missed a practice, missed two games. That’s the culture of our team; we believe in it. But he’s good about it. He’s very good about it.”

Barzal out tonight. He’s healthy. Roy says discipline for being late to the rink today. He’ll play tomorrow in DC

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 30, 2025

New general manager Mathieu Darche has said he wants to create a new culture with the Isles. He comes from the Tampa Bay Lightning, where top-line center Brayden Point was scratched for similar reasons last season.

The Rangers likely wouldn’t mind if Barzal were out of the lineup when the Islanders come to Madison Square Garden on Nov. 8. He has 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 31 career games against the Blueshirts. That’s nine more points than he has against any other NHL opponent– even though he missed all four games against the Rangers in 2024-25 because of injuries, including a broken kneecap on Feb. 1 that ended his season.

Barzal has two goals and eight points in nine games this season, and averages 21:09 TOI, second among Isles forwards behind Bo Horvat (21:16).

Roy reportedly did not answer whether the policy of scratching a player for being late to the rink is new as of this season.

“I can’t go back to how things were in the past, but I know how things are today,” he said, according to the New York Post. “I think everybody knows now.”

But his next response indicated that changes are being made under Darche, who took over as GM after the Isles decided not to renew the contract of Lou Lamoriello.

“No, it’s not my standard,” he said. “It’s the organization’s standard.”

Injuries limited Barzal to 30 games last season, when he finished with six goals and 20 points. In 539 NHL games, he has 470 points (136 goals, 334 assists). He had one assist on Tuesday, when the Islanders lost 5-2 to the Bruins in Boston.

Barzal is the Islanders’ highest-paid player, according to PuckPedia, carrying a cap hit of $9.15 million through the 2030-31 season.

The 28-year-old center was selected by the Islanders in the first round (No. 16 overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft. He won the Calder Trophy as the League’s top rookie in 2017-18 but has never reached the 85 points he put up in his first season.

Yes, it was quite the day for the Rangers.

We’ve got all the news and links to our stories below. And follow Forever Blueshirts for continued coverage and analysis of what’s transpired and all that is yet to come.

So, with that, let’s get to all the Rangers news, as well as other nuggets from around the League.

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New York Rangers news

After much speculation earlier in the day, the Rangers did trade Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a fourth-round draft pick. Most important, they relieved themselves of the burden that was Trouba’s $8 million salary cap hit through 2025-26, as well as the growing distraction after failing to trade the captain last offseason.

Even before the trade went down, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said he and general manager Chris Drury were “together on our thoughts” about moving on from the veteran defenseman.

Not surprisingly, Rangers players were somewhat shocked and saddened by the latest turn of events.

Surely, no one’s feeling badly in Rangers-land about reports that Igor Shesterkin agreed to a record-breaking eight-year, $92 million contract. The reports began to surface Friday; the Rangers announced the agreement (but not the financial terms) on Saturday.

Oh, and the Rangers then played a hockey game. And the Rangers won! Imagine that! Here are our three takeaways from an important victory to cap a busy day.

NHL news

The Rangers weren’t the only NHL team making news on Friday. It just seemed that way. Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams held a press conference to pledge support to his beleaguered team, which has lost five straight games (0-3-2). But he also dropped this nugget, stating that the Sabres are not a “destination team” for marquee players in the League.

Though that is a good quote, it didn’t top Islanders coach Patrick Roy saying he didn’t “want to sh**” on Pierre Engvall before pointing out that the disappointing forward is not playing up to Roy’s expectations for him.

Timo Meier scored his 200th NHL goal to help the New Jersey Devils skate past the Seattle Kraken 3-2 and remain tied with the Washington Capitals atop the Metropolitan Division.

And they remain tied because the Capitals improved to 5-0-1 in their past six games with a 3-1 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Thatcher Demko dressed for a game for the first time since the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last spring when the All-Star goalie was the backup to Kevin Lankinen in the Vancouver Canucks game against the Columbus Blues Jackets on Friday. He’s been idled with a knee issue.

Well after the Islanders defeated the Rangers 4-2 at UBS Arena on Tuesday, Peter Laviolette was absolutely incensed over two hits that could’ve seriously injured his top two centers.

The first incident occurred when Mika Zibanejad collided with defenseman Adam Pelech midway through the third period. Initially, the contact appeared accidental, but in analyzing the video, Pelech seems to slightly turn his head towards Zibanejad, stops in his path, and makes the hit. At the end of the day, it’s still a matter of interpretation.

Immediately, Zibanejad went to the ice and struggled to crawl towards the bench. Even though he did not take another shift, Mika returned to the bench for the game’s conclusion, which did nothing to lessen his coach’s fury.

Zibanejad went to the Rangers locker room after this collision pic.twitter.com/wfUPLLvp1b

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) April 10, 2024

“He came back at the end after that vicious hit,” an angry Laviolette said. “Shoulder, elbow to the head. Watch it.”

When asked if he felt it was intentional, the Rangers’ bench boss immediately fired back, “I do.”

Related: Isles enforcer has some advice for Matt Rempe

Rangers and Islanders coaches war of words

Needless to say, Islanders coach Patrick Roy did not see the hit in the same light and claimed that his counterpart’s comments were just born of “frustration.”

“I don’t know why we’re talking about this,” Roy shot back. “I’m a little surprised because it was clear in my mind that it was accidental. We could talk about it for an hour if you want to, but I think we’re wasting our time. It was accidental. That’s it, that’s all, next question.”

The rough stuff didn’t stop there, as late in the game Vincent Trocheck was crosschecked and boarded from behind. This caused a turnover and the Islanders scored into an empty net.

Trocheck gets crushed from behind with no call. Trocheck is pissed!! and has ever right to be. #NYR pic.twitter.com/bP2QXpk0My

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) April 10, 2024

“Vicious,” Laviolette said of the hit from Noah Dobson. “From behind.”

Of course, Roy saw it completely different.

“I think it’s, what, 15 seconds left in the game, the puck is up in the air. I think he should expect that we were going to go after this one,” Roy explained. “And I think Noah tried to lay off on him and tried to go for [it] sideways. He just finishes the check on him.

At this time, there’s no expectation for any supplemental discipline. These teams will battle for the last time in the regular season on Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers behemoth rookie Matt Rempe was a healthy scratch on Tuesday, Laviolette won’t make that mistake again.

Meanwhile, their opponent for Tuesday night, are battling for their playoff lives.

The New York Islanders are third in the Metro with 85 points and five games remaining. If they can hold it, it will guarantee them a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, nipping at their heels with 83 points are the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. Losing any points over the next week could even mean losing the second wild-card spot. To make matters worse for the Isles, two of their remaining games are against the League-leading Rangers, who have already beaten them twice this season.

In their first encounter, the Rangers had a rip-roaring 6-5 OT comeback win outdoors at MetLife Stadium on February 18. That was followed by a St. Patrick’s Day 5-2 drubbing at MSG on March 17. That’s why Islanders coach Patrick Roy is urging his team to not get into a run-and-gun contest with the Blueshirts at UBS Arena.

“If we want to have success against these guys,” Roy stated. “We need to move the puck well. We need to move the puck north and keep our game very simple.”

Related: Stu Bickel recalls 2012 Brawl with Devils

Patrick Roy wants Islanders to play simple game against Rangers

The Islanders have been playing really solid hockey lately, winningfour straight to move up the standings. Despite their recent hot streak, the 58-year-old coach understands the tall task ahead of his team.

“[The Rangers] are a good team,” Roy said. “It’s a team that’s very good on the rush. They have D like (Adam) Fox, who will be in on every rush, and if we don’t have good line changes, he’ll make us pay. It will interesting to see how we respond tomorrow.”

Under Roy, who took over mid-season to replace the fired Lane Lambert, the Islanders are 16-12-4. When they lost to the Rangers a second time, they were mired in an 0-5-1 slide, so things should be much more difficult for the Blueshirts this time around.

Semyon Varlamov has already been tabbed as the starter, and is playing some lights out hockey in net for the Isles. Over his last seven starts, he’s 5-1-1 with a 2.27 goals-against average and .931 save percentage that includes a 2-0 shutout against the Nashville Predators on Saturday.

Over his career, the 35-year-old veteran has been excellent against the Blueshirts, with a 13-8-2 record. Varlamov also owns a lifetime .914 save percentage and 2.62 GAA with five shutouts, that he picked up all while playing for the Islanders.

“I think it will be a good game tomorrow,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette stated. “They’ll be ready to play. We know exactly where they’re sitting (in the standings), and what we’re in for. We’ll be ready to play and be sharp as well.”

As these two teams get set to clash in another historic chapter of this bitter rivalry, it’s possible the Rangers could play a role in knocking the Islanders out of playoff contention. On the flip side, the Islanders would love to spoil the Rangers chance for their fourth Presidents’ Trophy in franchise history.

Buckle up.

“Our fan base is extremely important, and I want our fans to come to our games and be excited for all this,” Roy told the press. “I want our fans to walk in the street wearing that jersey and be so proud of that team, and that’s my objective.”

Oddly enough, before the 2023-24 season began, there was speculation that Roy was a candidate for the vacant coaching job. However, according to the NY Post, Roy was not under consideration by president and general manager Chris Drury before they landed on Peter Laviolette.

Knowing how competitive Roy is, you have to have to assume that little snub just added another angle to this already historic and heated rivalry.

Related: 2014 Rangers – Where are they now?

Isles hire Patrick Roy; heats up Rangers rivalry

Roy, 58, had just completed a magical run with the Quebec Remparts to win the Memorial Cup when speculation that he could be the next Rangers coach started to pick up. Even though he had more than proven his coaching acumen in both the NHL and QMJHL, the way he abruptly departed the Colorado Avalanche in 2016 did not sit well with many teams.

In 13 seasons behind the Remparts bench over 18 years, he amassed a record of 518-321-0 for a .617 winning percentage. Roy had also reached the postseason in 12 of those seasons. His NHL record is 130-92-24 with a Jack Adams Trophy in his rookie year as a head coach.

Now, he will try and lead the Islanders, who sit two points out of the East’s final wild card spot to the postseason with 37 games remaining.

The Rangers and Islanders will play each other four times during the second half of the season. The Roy-led era for the Isles begins against the Blueshirts in grand fashion, in an outdoor game at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 18.

According to the hockey weather gods, the forecast is for some real heat on the ice that day.

In a new report by the NY Post’s Mollie Walker, the Rangers will not interview Roy.

That means Peter Laviolette or John Hynes are the two most likely candidates to be named the Blueshirts’ new bench boss.

No Patrick Roy for Rangers

Roy, 57, just completed a magical run with the Quebec Remparts to win the Memorial Cup on Sunday night. Although he’s proven his coaching acumen in both the NHL and QMJHL, the way he departed the Colorado Avalanche may still not be sitting well with some. He re-signed in 2016 leaving the team scrambling for a replacement.

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. His NHL record is 130-92-24 with a Jack Adams Trophy in his rookie year as a head coach.

Now that Roy has been removed from the equation and with the Rangers desire for an experienced coach being their top priority, it’s likely either Laviolette or Hynes.

Let’s quickly look at each candidate.

Peter Laviolette (752-503-25-150)

The 58 year-old is still the front-runner to land the Rangers job in my opinion. He was fired by the Capitals after they missed the playoffs this season and is the safest bet because he’s the only Stanley Cup winning coach on the list (Carolina Hurricanes 2005-06). Mollie Walker of the NY Post also noted that Drury has a connection to Laviolette having played for him at the 2006 Olympics for Team USA.

John Hynes (284-254-63)

While Drury has a reportedly good relationship with the 48 year-old coach from their playing days at Boston University, I believe this is a hard sell to Rangers ownership. Hynes has a playoff coaching record of just 4-15 (.211 winning percentage) and that’s not something James Dolan is going to get excited about. Despite being known as an excellent mind for strategy, he’s never been able to win when it counts. He’s still one of the few experienced options out there, so that’s playing in his favor.

Multiple reports indicate that Laviolette is the most likely to be named head coach. He was in New York this past Friday for a second meeting.

It’s also plausible that Hynes could be brought in as an assistant to Laviolette.

Prior to the NY Post’s report, over 51% of Rangers fans voted for Roy as the team’s next head coach.

Who would you like to see coach the #NYR next?

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) June 5, 2023

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.”

IT'S A GATORADE SHOWER FOR PATRICK ROY! #MemorialCup pic.twitter.com/AxhGKKoIuS

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 5, 2023

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.

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.

What a wholesome answer from Patrick Roy!🥹#MemorialCup pic.twitter.com/89gHDv79KW

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 5, 2023

When the Nashville Predators dismissed John Hynes in favor of Andrew Brunette on Monday, GM Chris Drury sought permission to speak with him per the NY Post.

Initially, I did not think he would be under serious consideration. The Rangers are a Stanley Cup contender and Hynes has zero playoff series wins and just four postseason appearances in an 8 year NHL coaching career.

Yet here we are with the Stanley Cup Final starting on Saturday and no new head coach for Blueshirts.

Who is on the list for next Rangers coach

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins named Kyle Dubas the president of hockey operations. During his introductory press conference, he absolutely crushed whatever little hope the Rangers had of head coach Mike Sullivan becoming available.

“[Sullivan] can coach forever,” Dubas said. “He’s a great coach. There’s no real expiration date on Mike.”

Meanwhile in Toronto, new GM Brad Treliving said he was going to get to know Sheldon Keefe before making a decision. Although he wants to do it quickly, the Rangers can’t sit and wait for too long or they could miss out on the only two available head coaches with any recent NHL experience.

Remember, the Rangers have reportedly scratched off Joel Quenneville, Darryl Sutter, and Mike Babcock off their list. If Drury wanted to go with a rookie coach, he missed out on Spencer Carbery to the Washington Capitals.

So let’s breakdown the available candidates and where I think they rank for the Blueshirts.

New York Rangers coaching candidates

Peter Laviolette (752-503-25-150)

The 58 year-old is still the front-runner to land the Rangers job in my opinion. He was fired by the Capitals after they missed the playoffs this season and is the safest bet because he’s the only Stanley Cup winning coach on the list (Carolina Hurricanes 2005-06). Mollie Walker of the NY Post also noted that Drury has a connection to Laviolette having played for him at the 2006 Olympics for Team USA.

Patrick Roy  (130-92-24)

Chris Drury’s former teammate with the Colorado Avalanche is a proven winner as a player. Although his NHL coaching record with the Avs is solid, he and Joe Sakic did not see eye-to-eye before his departure. However, Roy did win the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year as a rookie bench boss with the Avs in 2014. He’s also been known to have a big temper, and that could be a combustible mix with the fiery Drury. Currently, the 57 year-old is coaching the Quebec Remparts, who are awaiting their opponent in the Memorial Cup Final which concludes on Sunday.

John Hynes (284-254-63)

While Drury has a reportedly good relationship with the 48 year-old coach from their playing days at Boston University, I believe this is a hard sell to Rangers ownership. Hynes has a playoff coaching record of just 4-15 (.211 winning percentage) and that’s not something James Dolan is going to get excited about. Despite being known as an excellent mind for strategy, he’s never been able to win when it counts. He’s still one of the few experienced options out there, so that’s playing in his favor.

Kris Knoblauch (AHL: 112-87-0-31)

Hartford Wolf Pack coach Kris Knoblauch is considered one of the bright young minds in the game. The 44 year-old has no real NHL head coaching experience except for acting as a stand-in for both David Quinn and Gerard Gallant during bouts with COVID. He did serve as an assistant coach for Dave Hakstol with the Philadelphia Flyers from 2017 to 2019. If it were up to me to go with a rookie head coach, the choice would easily be Knoblauch. Simply because he knows some of the young players already and the transition would be easier.

Jay Leach (AHL: 138-77-0-27)

Leach, 43, played parts of 5 seasons in the NHL as a defenseman for the Devils, Bruins, Lightning, and Sharks. The Syracuse, New York native recorded 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points in 70 games with 60 penalty minutes. The up-and-coming coach was a late season replacement for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, who lost in the second-round of the Calder Cup playoffs in 2015-16. He was then named the head coach for the Providence Bruins in 2017-18 for the next four seasons before joining Dave Hakstol as an assistant in Seattle.

The 57 year-old has now taken all he’s learned and fashioned it into a successful coaching tenure in the QMJHL. On Sunday night, he led the Quebec Remparts to a championship as they hoisted the Gilles Courteau Trophy high above their heads.

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 with a record of 83-60.

It’s certainly appears to be enough for his former teammate Chris Drury to pick up the phone and give him an interview.

Patrick Roy should get an interview

Roy and Drury played for the Colorado Avalanche and won a Stanley Cup together in 2001. Both are considered fiery competitors which may be a combustible mix in New York.

However, winning a title isn’t easy and takes a certain mindset that Roy obviously has. He also isn’t inexperienced as he coached the Avs for three seasons with a 130-92-24 mark and winning the Jack Adams Trophy in his first year behind the bench.

That being said, Roy didn’t leave the Avs on the best of terms in 2016 and 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 five 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 stormed onto the scene as a rookie for the Montreal Canadiens in 1986 and won the Stanley Cup as teams could not solve the young netminder. He continued to win championships playing with a confidence and swagger most goalies simply did not have.

He ended his playing career with a record of 551-315-131, a .910 SV% and 2.54 GAA. Roy’s postseason numbers are even more remarkable at 151-94, a .918 SV% and 2.30 GAA.

Let’s face it, he’s not only been there and done that, Roy dominated.

His reputation alone should command the respect of youngsters and veterans alike which makes him at least worthy of an interview.

Roy recently told TSN he’s willing to listen to NHL head coach offers. It’s time to pick up the phone Drury.

“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

Vous avez vu la photo. Maintenant, voici la vidéo. 💦 pic.twitter.com/NXWPokyx9a

— Remparts de Québec (@quebec_remparts) May 22, 2023

“We’re not going to limit ourselves right now to any specific style or type of coach,” Drury stated on May 6. “We don’t have a set date in mind as of yet. We just want to get the right person, whenever that is.”

There’s a lot of speculation and almost a dozen names have been bandied about over the last few days. Let’s break some of them down.

Rangers Rumors: Coaching Search

Peter Laviolette (752-503-25-150)

The 58 year-old was fired by the Washington Capitals after they missed the playoffs this season but appears to be an early favorite to land the job. He’s without a doubt the safest bet and won the Stanley Cup back in 2005-2006. Mollie Walker of the NY Post also noted that Drury has a connection to Laviolette having played for him at the 2006 Olympics for Team USA. While Laviolette seems like a safe choice, a source pointed out that it’s been a long time since he had any real success and that could play against him. The last time he won a playoff series was 2017-18 with the Nashville Predators.

Mike Babcock (700-418-19-164)

He’s been fighting to get back behind an NHL bench for awhile after being dumped by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season. The 60 year-old won a Cup with the Detroit Red Wings back in 2008 but his tactics to motivate players might make Mike Keenan blush. According to USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano the Rangers have made several calls and are doing their homework about bringing him in. Although it should be noted that Babcock last won a playoff series back in 2012-13 with the Wings.

Jay Pandolfo (NCAA – Boston University)

Here’s a name from out of left field, but the former New Jersey Devils gritty forward is an up-and-coming coach in the college ranks. This past season with BU, he posted a 29-11-0 record. The 48 year-old has been mentioned in several reports but Elliotte Friedman noted on his 32 Thoughts Podcast that Pandolfo is not seeking an NHL position at this time. That should be enough to rule him out.

Kris Knoblauch (AHL: 112-87-0-31)

Larry Brooks was the first to suggest Hartford Wolf Pack head coach Kris Knoblauch, who is considered a bright young mind in the game. The 44 year-old has no real NHL head coaching experience except for acting as a stand-in for both David Quinn and Gerard Gallant during bouts with COVID. He did serve as an assistant coach for Dave Hakstol with the Philadelphia Flyers from 2017 to 2019. In truth, Knoblauch might be the most logical choice but when was the last time you felt the Rangers were logical?

Patrick Roy  (130-92-24)

Chris Drury’s former teammate with the Colorado Avalanche is a proven winner as a player. Although his NHL coaching record with the Avs is solid, he and Joe Sakic did not see eye-to-eye before his departure. However, Roy did win the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year as a rookie bench boss with the Avs in 2014. He’s also been known to have a big temper, and that could be a combustible mix with the fiery Drury.

Assessing the Rangers coaching search

This really wasn’t the best time to fire a coach considering how limited the field of candidates appears to be.

Two names that have already been ruled out are Joel Quenneville and Darryl Sutter.

Regarding Quenneville, the NHL is unlikely to allow him back after he resigned due his involvement in the Kyle Beach scandal while coaching the Chicago Blackhawks. As for Sutter, who was fired by the Calgary Flames, the Rangers aren’t interested.

Another name being discussed is Jack Capuano due to his Team USA connections with Drury. One knowledgeable source pointed out to me that it’s unlikely the Rangers would bring in a coach that failed with the New York Islanders.

There ‘s also a possibility that Sheldon Keefe could become available if the Toronto Maple Leafs lose to the Florida Panthers.

At the end of the day, the Rangers coaching search is in its infancy. The biggest concern I have is how much influence does Glen Sather still have in the decision making process?

I noted after the firing of John Davidson and Jeff Gorton that Sather was counseling owner James Dolan. It wouldn’t surprise me if he isn’t giving input into this situation as well.

If that’s the case, it will only make it tougher on Drury to find a replacement he sees as a fit should Sather disagree.