Rangers Reportedly Hiring Peter Laviolette
Peter Laviolette is moving within the Metro. After being fired by the Washington Capitals for missing the playoffs, it’s believed that the longtime coach will be behind the New York Rangers bench. Rumors have swirled for weeks, but Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently spoke on a breakthrough.
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
It’s another move for an established coach after the Gerard Gallant era ended in ugly fashion. Believe it or not, but Laviolette actually played for the Rangers back in the day. His NHL career only lasted 12 games during 1988-89, but they were all spent with the blueshirts.
More recently, he won the Stanley Cup in 2006 as coach of the Carolina Hurricanes. He also made two more appearances in the Final with the Flyers in 2010 and Predators in 2017. His first coaching stint in the NHL was actually with the rival New York Islanders from 2001-03.
The Right Fit?
It’s gonna take some time to figure out how Laviolette will fit in with this group of players.
For starters, team president Chris Drury has a lot of work ahead of him this summer. The Rangers went all-in on 2023 after acquiring both Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko ahead of the trade deadline. It blew up in a blaze of glory after the New Jersey Devils sent them packing in the first round in seven games.
Drury must now decide what free agents to bring back with under $12 million in cap space. There is a laundry list of positions that need help, including depth forwards and a backup goaltender in particular.
The coaching carousel in the NHL is continuing. Peter Laviolette is getting another chance in the Metropolitan Division with the New York Rangers. This is still only the beginning of a very busy summer to come.
