The New York Rangers have begun their search for a new head coach after letting go of Peter Laviolette after a single season behind the bench that saw the team that won the Presidents' Trophy a year ago miss the postseason entirely. Now, the search starts anew in a wide pool of potential candidates. Who will most likely take the job in Manhattan for the 2025-26 season, which will be the team's 100th overall campaign in the NHL? This is our second story on the topic, and if you missed the first one, you can check this one out here.
Jay Leach, asst. coach for Boston Bruins
The 45-year-old has never held a head coaching position in the NHL but has in the AHL. Leach would be a good starting option if some of the other candidates the Rangers' front office considers (more on that later) don't work out. Leach is a former player in the NHL at the very least, having played for Boston and their AHL affiliate in Providence plus Tampa Bay, San Jose, and New Jersey, plus their own AHL affiliate in Albany from 2005-2013. Further arguing his case, Leach actually had an interview with the Rangers not too long ago, so there's definitely some possibility he could get the job. Yes, someone with no previous NHL head coaching experience is kind of risky. But the fact New York took that kind of interest in him already is definitely a good sign.
Michael Peca, asst. coach for New York Rangers
What if the 51-year-old Peca got his first real shot at being an NHL bench boss? Peca has served under Laviolette's leadership for a couple of years now, and that started even before Laviolette came to New York. Sure, such a promotion may seem a little bit outlandish, but maybe it's just what the Rangers need to turn things around next season. Or maybe Peca can be an assistant to another potential candidate. He did play for the Islanders during his professional career after all. Now, that doesn't necessarily make a difference, but it'd be kind of funny for a former Islanders player to be the new head coach of their crosstown rivals, wouldn't it?
Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins
The thing here is that Sullivan happens to have two more years left on his contract in Pittsburgh. But the Pens aren't looking much younger with a slowly fossilizing Sidney Crosby and they really haven't been the same since Jake Guentzel was swept up by Tampa Bay in free agency last summer. Add to that the fact that Rangers GM Chris Drury has the 57-year-old at the top of his wish list, and this seems like a surefire deal. And the fact New York can maybe and possibly snatch a coach from a divisional rival? Even better.
Rick Tocchet, Vancouver Canucks
The 61-year-old just spent his final contractual season in Vancouver without a postseason berth, which makes this potential hire an interesting decision. Should the Rangers pursue someone in a similar toss-up spot like Sullivan with an extra break? Or should they take a pass considering what just happened in Vancouver? One key factor that may make or break any potential decision is whether or not Tocchet and J.T. Miller can happily and effectively reunite. If next season starts well between the two, Tocchet could keep his job then. If not, a nasty midseason firing could take place, and that's the last thing New York wants to deal with at the moment.
Jay Woodcroft, former head coach of Edmonton Oilers
This may be an under-the-radar but still viable option if the others don't work out. Edmonton had some problems with Woodcroft after a couple of seasons in Canada's oil capital, but they've basically backtracked those since earning a playoff spot this season. Edmonton may or may not have made a mistake in getting rid of Woodcroft after the Oilers' slow start this season, but maybe that's exactly what the Rangers need, since Woodcroft's tenure in Edmonton featured a handful of playoff series wins and even an eventual Stanley Cup Final appearance just last season. Key words: just last season. I'm honestly surprised a guy with Woodcroft's repertoire isn't higher on the Rangers' potential hiring list.