Head Coach Gerard Gallant Parts Ways with the New York Rangers
By Conor Power
Rumors began to circle around the fate of New York Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant and the Rangers announced today that they will be looking for a new bench boss as they have parted ways with Gallant. After the first round elimination after an all-in push by the front office, it felt like this was inevitable and today the axe finally came down. We can debate whether it was the right decision or not but it is done.
Gallant was nominated for the Jack Adams Award during the 2021-22 season as one of the best head coaches in the NHL for the season. He was the last remaining of the three nominees and there is no secret that it did not seem like a long-term fit during this season. There were conversations earlier in the year when the Blueshirts were struggling and now he is looking for a new job.
In his season-ending press conference, Gallant said he didn’t see why he had to be answering questions about his job security after a 107-point season, and to a degree, he had a point. This regular season was by no means a failure for the Rangers organization. They were mathematically alive for the Metropolitan Division crown until the final game of the season. While the playoffs could have gone a lot better, you have a leg to stand on if you question this move.
Over the two seasons, Gallant had a record of 164-99-46 which is incredibly strong. He guided the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Finals last season and the Rangers front office had cup ambitions after such a strong playoff run. After the big push, this season to end up sitting on the couch watching the second round is why this has been made. New York wants someone new to guide this group.