The New York Rangers have fired their head coach, Peter Laviolette, after only two seasons. This decision comes after a season where the team significantly underperformed, failing to secure a playoff spot.
General Manager Chris Drury announced the change less than two days after the conclusion of a disappointing season. Expectations were high after the team reached the Eastern Conference Final the previous year, with hopes of contending for the Stanley Cup. However, inconsistent and uninspired play led to their elimination from playoff contention, finishing six points short and ultimately costing Laviolette his position.
Assistant coach Phil Housley was also let go. Team owner James Dolan and GM Drury are expected to begin searching for a new head coach soon. Significant changes to the player roster are also anticipated in the coming months.
“I informed Peter Laviolette and Phil Housley today about our decision to make a coaching change,” Drury stated. “I want to thank both of them and extend my best wishes to them and their families. Peter is a true professional, both on and off the ice, and I sincerely appreciate his dedication and passion for the Rangers during his time as head coach.”
Assistants Michael Peca and Dan Muse are expected to be considered for the head coaching position. The type of coach the Rangers are seeking to replace Laviolette remains unclear. Drury`s choice from the available experienced candidates will indicate the future direction of the organization.
The new coach will face considerable challenges as the Rangers struggled significantly in recent months.
The team`s decline included the departure of two veteran players: Forward Barclay Goodrow was placed on waivers and claimed by San Jose in June, and captain Jacob Trouba was also facing waivers before agreeing to waive his no-trade clause to be traded to Anaheim in December. Several key players, including Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, K’Andre Miller, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin, showed signs of regression in their performance. Shesterkin, in particular, recorded his lowest save percentage in North America.
This was Laviolette`s sixth head coaching role in the NHL, joining the Rangers in June 2023. He previously coached Washington for three years, as well as Nashville, Philadelphia, Carolina, and the Islanders. He notably won the Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006.
The Rangers` coaching change coincides with the Anaheim Ducks also firing their coach, Greg Cronin, marking the first of several expected coaching vacancies in the league. Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia currently have interim coaches and are expected to begin searches for permanent replacements. Vancouver`s coaching situation is also uncertain pending Rick Tocchet`s decision to return.
Following David Quinn and Gerard Gallant, Laviolette is the third coach dismissed by Drury since he took over hockey operations in May 2021. At that time, Dolan abruptly dismissed John Davidson, the president of hockey operations, and GM Jeff Gorton, appointing Drury to lead hockey operations.
