Rangers Rumors: Coaching Change Coming In New York?

The New York Rangers are facing mounting pressure to address their early-season struggles, with speculation growing that head coach Peter Laviolette’s tenure may be nearing its end. 

Despite taking over a roster with championship aspirations, Laviolette has struggled to establish consistency, and a recent five-game losing streak has heightened concerns. 

According to Marco D’Amico of RG.org, Laviolette “doesn’t have long” to turn things around. General Manager Chris Drury is reportedly considering bringing in three-time Stanley Cup champion Joel Quenneville, a coach known for his ability to command respect and guide teams to deep playoff runs. 

“Think of the respect he’d bring into that dressing room,” said a league source, highlighting Quenneville’s reputation as a proven winner.

Peter Laviolette is 10 times the coach Gerard Gallant was. If anything this finally shows its not on coaching. I'm not saying extend him after next year (I want Muse to takeover), but anyone calling for his head is fighting the wrong enemy.

— JackKnife82 (@JohnnyLonny82) November 26, 2024

Drury has already explored potential roster changes, reportedly putting captain Jacob Trouba and veteran Chris Kreider on the trade block. 

However, the Rangers’ salary cap constraints make big trades challenging, and there’s no guarantee they would yield the immediate results the team needs. 

“If trades fail to deliver results, it’s often the bench boss who takes the fall,” another source explained. With Quenneville available and other teams like the Detroit Red Wings also rumored to be interested, Drury may feel the urgency to act quickly to secure his services. 

Quenneville, the second-winningest coach in NHL history, is seen as a strong candidate to galvanize the Rangers’ talented but underperforming lineup.

"I like the fact that we had to go through a little bit tonight to get to the win in the end."

- Peter Laviolette pic.twitter.com/z8O5nxHLsN

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) November 30, 2024

If Laviolette cannot reverse the team’s fortunes soon, a coaching change could be the bold move needed to salvage the season. 

“A three-time Cup champ hungry to coach again might be exactly what they need,” suggested one insider, noting the potential for Quenneville to steer the Rangers back on track and restore hope to their season.

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images