NY Rangers Rumors: New Head Coach Has Been Selected

It was a few weeks back that it appeared the New York Rangers had a leading candidate for their vacant head coaching spot. Then another apparent 'top choice' emerged. Now, Monday afternoon, things have flipped once again, and it appears that Peter Laviolette is set to become the new Rangers bench boss.

There is word this afternoon the NYR and Peter Laviolette are gaining momentum. Nothing is done until it’s done, but, barring a swerve, looking like Laviolette as next Rangers head coach.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 12, 2023

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reported today that Laviolette to the Rangers is "gaining momentum," and that barring any last-minute unforeseen developments, he will be named the new head coach of the Blueshirts.

Earlier this month, former Nashville Predators head coach John Hynes was considered the frontrunner, due to his history with Rangers GM Chris Drury. But only a week earlier, Laviolette was the leading candidate, and it seems that he is indeed the ultimate choice, after all.

Laviolette, 58, 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, and an overall .587 winning percentage as an NHL head coach, over 21 seasons.

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