Revealed: Frontrunner For New York Rangers' Coaching Job

There are several head coaching vacancies around the NHL, but it appears that we might be on the verge this week of the first one being filled. 

"I think a lot of people are beginning to lean Peter Laviolette on this one. I think if it is Laviolette, we're going to find out next week. That's kinda where I sit with the #NYR coaching job."https://t.co/Cc9Eep8XFp

— Phil Kocher (@PhilKocher) May 28, 2023

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman said this weekend that "I think a lot of people are beginning to lean Peter Laviolette on this one. I think if it is Laviolette, we're going to find out next week. That's kinda where I sit with the (Rangers) coaching job."

The 58-year-old Laviolette parted ways with the Washington Capitals after the end of this season, where he'd spent the past three years behind the bench. He has three Conference championships on his resume, with three different teams. 

Overall, he has a .587 winning percentage as an NHL head coach, over 21 seasons (752-503-25). Only three other currently-employed coaches have been at the helm for more NHL games in their career, Lindy Ruff, Paul Maurice and John Tortorella. 

It was earlier this month that the Rangers announced that Gerard Gallant would not be back behind the bench next season, and they've gone ahead and conducted a swift search to replace him, if the report is correct. 

We should find out this week. 

 Photo: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports