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New York Rangers: 5 personnel decisions that must be made before the draft

By Victoria Ranieri

BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 25: Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers attends the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 25: Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers attends the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 31: Head coach Alain Vigneault and associate coach Scott Arniel of the New York Rangers look on from the bench against the Vegas Golden Knights at Madison Square Garden on October 31, 2017 in New York City. The New York Rangers won 6-4. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 31: Head coach Alain Vigneault and associate coach Scott Arniel of the New York Rangers look on from the bench against the Vegas Golden Knights at Madison Square Garden on October 31, 2017 in New York City. The New York Rangers won 6-4. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

A Complete Coaching Change

Whether you want the Rangers to retool or rebuild, it is agreed they must to clean house with the coaching staff. Head coach Alain Vigneault has been taking the brunt of the criticism regarding coaching. While it is deserved, the entire coaching staff deserves blame. In order for the Rangers to have future success with future players, Vigneault, Scott Arniel, and Lindy Ruff must be relieved of their coaching duties.

Vigneault is the first person who needs to be taken care of. Since he was named Rangers’ head coach in 2014, the Rangers have only regressed in the years following. His inability to adjust and unwavering trust in veterans have been the chink in the Rangers’ armor for four years and it isn’t getting any better. Ultimately, he has reached his shelf life as a coach and it is time for the Rangers to stop holding on to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final run.

Lindy Ruff should under no circumstances become head coach of the New York Rangers.

Ruff and Vigneault are eerily similar in their coaching choices. Both trust declining veterans over talented youth, struggle to adjust when opposing teams figure out their system, and both struggle to develop young players. With the Rangers looking to add more young players and take most veterans out of the picture, I am not sure Ruff would be the best person to take over.

Scott Arniel is less of a problem than Ruff and Vigneault. Arneil, while currently coaching the Rangers failing power play, would not be the worst option as interim coach. Less than ideal? Absolutely. But, Arneil would be a fine option to finish the season with.

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