The New York Rangers are eager to put the 2024–25 NHL season behind them and shift their focus to the future. But before that can happen, they must address the vacant head coaching position following Peter Laviolette’s dismissal. According to reports, Chris Drury and the front office are closing in on their chosen candidate to take over behind the bench at Madison Square Garden.
The Rangers completed a humiliating feat during the 2024-25 campaign, becoming the fourth team in NHL history to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs one season after winning the Presidents’ Trophy. To rub salt in the wound, New York became the only team to ever register such dubious feat twice as it previously accomplished it in the 1992-93 season.
If it’s of any comfort for the Broadway Blueshirts, they had gone on to win the Stanley Cup in the 1993-94. If history is to repeat itself in The Big Apple, it won’t be Peter Laviolette who guides the Rangers to their fifth championship.
Drury and the Rangers have reportedly played their cards and are now really close to announcing their new head coach, which fans and media in New York City believe is really down to one name, which recently became available.
Chris Drury of the New York Rangers attends the NHL Draft at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The Rangers will have their coach by the end of the week,” insider Frank Seravalli stated during an appearance on the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast.
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NHL Rumors: 2x Stanley Cup champion HC Mike Sullivan linked with multiple teams after leaving Penguins
Clear frontrunner
Mike Sullivan, who led the Pittsburgh Penguins on back-to-back Stanley Cups during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, has parted ways with the organization in Steel City after ten years.
Sullivan has been a strong candidate during every offseason coaching search in New York, especially since Drury became General Manager in May 2021. Prior to signing Gerrard Gallant as head coach in the 2021 offseason, Drury had put negotiations in halt, waiting for any indication that Sullivan might become available. This time around, they aren’t losing sight of their target.
“I cannot imagine [the New York Rangers] allowing anyone to outdo themselves in the pursuit of Sullivan,” insider Elliotte Friedman said in an interview with NHL Network.
SurveyIf Mike Sullivan doesn't sign with the Rangers, who should New York sign?
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Finally, the stars have aligned in Manhattan, and it appears Sullivan will at last take over behind the bench. He’s no stranger to the Metropolitan Division—though he’s never captured a divisional title—and could provide an immediate spark to a locker room that’s been through the wringer lately and is in need of stability after a rollercoaster NHL season.
