It’s official! Now some reaction to the Gallant hiring

It took a few days, but the New York Rangers made it official, announcing that Gerard Gallant is their new coach. The word came via social media and in a press release on Wednesday afternoon.

There’s no doubt that at some point there will be a formal press conference introducing Gallant to the New York media and we will get to hear more about his plans for the team. For now, we have to be content with quotes from Jim Dolan and Chris Drury.

"“We are excited to announce that Gerard will be the next Head Coach of the New York Rangers.  His vast experience and success behind the bench at several levels make him the ideal choice to lead our team on the ice.” – Chris Drury, President and General Manager"

The owner’s words were a little more revealing about what he is expecting. Dolan said  “I have no doubt that he will play a critical role in helping us take the next steps to building a championship-caliber team.”

With the official announcement, it means that reaction to the hiring will begin flowing in.  One former player weighed in, speaking with Larry Brooks of the New York Post.  Jaromir Jagr played for Gallant in Florida when he led the team in scoring at age 43.

Jagr said  “He is tough but friendly and he is honest with the players. In my opinion, with the players having so much power, that is the way a coach has to be. You can’t threaten to send players down or take away their ice time. That does not work.”

Jagr said what we have heard repeatedly from players who skated for Gallant.  “You have to be honest with the top guys and create trust with them. You have to be tough but you have to create the [environment] so players want to play for you and will do extra. That’s the way I see it. And that’s the way he is, not only with the top guys but with everyone, no matter who you are.”

Kudos to Brooks who broke the news of the Gallant hiring.

It’s doubtful that we will hear from any current Rangers, none of whom have actually played for him.  The only Blueshirt who has been coached by Gallant is prospect Braden Schneider who was on the Team Canada squad that won the gold medal at the World Championships in Latvia.  With teams allowed to carry extra players, Schneider didn’t see much action.  In Latvia, Gallant didn’t speak about Schneider in particular, but did note how hard it was to get players into the lineup.

Many in the media seem to feel that the Rangers made the right choice.  In a piece in The Athletic (subscription required), Pierre LeBrun called it a “wonderful hire” and said that “players who had him in Florida and Vegas have spoken glowingly of him.”

LeBrun’s conclusion was that  “the Rangers are on the rise and I think they just got the coach to bring them over that hump.”

A few other hockey mavens weighed in on Twitter.

Gallant reportedly has signed a four-year contract worth just under $3.5 million per year.  It’s more than David Quinn was earning (and still is), but it is less that what some other NHL coaches are getting paid in pre-pandemic deals.

The next step is to actually hear from Gallant and for him to get busy hiring his assistants.  Chris Drury has cleaned house, retaining only goaltending coach Benoit Allaire.  One likely hire is Mike Kelly who served as an assistant for Gallant at the World Championships and also worked with him in the QMJHL and was an assistant coach with Gallant in Florida and Las Vegas.

A rumor that is making the rounds is that Drury is keen on hiring former defenseman Dan Girardi who served as an assistant coach for the Sabres this season.  It wouldn’t hurt for Gallant and Drury to find someone who can teach the Rangers how to win faceoffs.