The New York Rangers and head coach Gerard Gallant have agreed to part ways after the team lost a seven-game series in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New Jersey Devils.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post was first to report the news.
The Rangers took a significant step back in the playoffs in Gallant’s second year with the club after New York advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in 2021-22.
The Rangers hired Gallant in June 2021 after he coached Canada to gold at the World Championships.
Although he took the Rangers to the playoffs in both of his seasons after the team missed the traditional playoffs the past four years (they lost in the qualifying round in 2020), there were higher expectations this season.
“I want to first thank Gerard for his work and commitment to the Rangers during his time as head coach,” general manager Chris Drury said. “I have a ton of respect for Gerard as both a coach and person, and truly appreciate everything he did for us on and off the ice these last two seasons. After my evaluation of the season and discussions with Gerard, we mutually came to the conclusion that a change would be beneficial for both parties. I wish he and his family all the best in the future. Our search for a new head coach will begin right away.”
The Rangers begin their coaching search in hopes of finding the person who will get them their first Stanley Cup title since 1994. Three-time championship-winning coach Joel Quenneville’s name has already been connected to the franchise, though he would need to be reinstated by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after his role in a sexual assault scandal with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2010 that caused him to resign from his job with the Florida Panthers in October 2021.
A native of Summerside, P.E.I., Gallant also has coached the Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights.
Gallant led the Golden Knights to an appearance in the Stanley Cup Final in their expansion season in 2017-18.
“I would like to thank Mr. Dolan, Chris and the Rangers organization for giving me the opportunity to be their head coach these last two seasons,” Gallant said via a statement. “The experience of coaching an Original Six franchise with such rich history and an incredibly passionate fanbase is something I will never forget. After conversations with my family and Chris, it became clear that this was the right decision for both myself and the Rangers at this time.”
The Rangers are the fifth team to cut ties with their head coach after the season, joining the Calgary Flames, Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals.
–with files from The Associated Press
