Based on the latest update by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the day-one front-runner to replace Gerard Gallant is close to taking over the Rangers’ bench. “A lot of people are beginning to lean Laviolette,” Friedman said. “If it is Laviolette, we are going to find out next week. That’s where I sit with the Rangers coaching job.” As for when the announcements could come? The Stanley Cup Final begins next Saturday and the Western Conference Finals could finish as early as Monday or Wednesday the latest. Look for an announcement between Tuesday and Friday.
Who knows if it happens for sure, but once JQ was out, I think Lavy was always the likely choice. 3 SCF's with 3 different teams, and 1 SC win I think is worthy of the opportunity. He isn't perfect as his teams have not made the 2nd round since 2018, but his teams almost always make the playoffs, play hard, and have a good structure to them. I am good with the hire if it happens. The biggest thing is what does Drury do to add more playoff type players, a legit 3rd line, and improve the team. That will be the deciding factor IMO, not hiring Lavy.
Now it sounds like Hynes may be the front runner since he was let go. That would be a bit puzzling to me. Hynes has a record of 4-15 (.211 winning percentage) in the playoffs, zero playoff series wins in four postseason appearances over an 8 year NHL coaching career, and his overall regular-season record is 284-254-63. He is supposed to be an organized structured guy, but still.
Drury just waiting for Q to be reinstated and then will name him the new rangers coach. Lavolette and Hyman should see the handwriting on the wall
Sounds like Lavy is close to being a done deal: “There is word this afternoon the NYR and Peter Laviolette are gaining momentum,” Friedman tweeted “Nothing is done until it’s done, but, barring a swerve, looking like Laviolette as next Rangers head coach.” I think it is the right move of the guys available. He has a good track record, 3 SCF's (with 3 different teams), and 1 SC win. Now go improve the team Drury.
If Lavy is Drury's pick then why the delay hiring him unless Drury is considering a coach from one of the Cup finalists, with the draft a few weeks away we should know who Drury's savior is soon.
Most likely don't like to take attention away from the SCF. I would assume if it ends tonight we'll hear this week. Drury has A LOT to prove in my eyes. We'll see.
It's official now. Is what it is. I think Lavy is a good coach. He has won a lot of games, his teams have made long runs, and won a Cup. Biggest key to me is what Drury will do to improve the team, and add the right kind of players we need. That will be the deciding factor IMO.
Good article by Brooks - I like his comments on the 3rd line, and agree 100%: https://nypost.com/2023/06/13/rangers-stars-out-of-excuses-and-must-deliver-for-peter-laviolette/
