Gerard Gallant out as New York Rangers head coach

Per Arthur Staple, Gerard Gallant is out as New York Rangers head coach. The move had been expected, albeit not so soon, as rumors of a continued feud between Gallant and General Manager Chris Drury started to hit social media and the rumor mill. Gallant is the current leader in head coaching winning percentage among Rangers coaches with 100 games coached, and led the Rangers to two playoff appearances and one appearance in the Eastern Conference Final.

Gallant may have had success with the Rangers, but the 2022-2023 season seemed to be a story of succeeding despite the coach, and not because of the coach. In-game decision making and lineup decisions plagued Gallant throughout the season, and blowing a 2-0 lead against the Devils seemed to be the final straw.

The Rangers lacked structure and an identity under Gallant this season, relying on Igor Shesterkin and an elite powerplay for most of their success. Given Drury’s methodical nature, this is likely not a rash decision, and Drury has a name to replace him in mind. Joel Quenneville is the name that keeps coming up.