Importance Score: 22 / 100 🔵
New York Rangers Dismiss Head Coach Peter Laviolette After Playoff Miss
In a significant move for the franchise, the New York Rangers have fired their head coach, Peter Laviolette, following the team’s failure to qualify for the NHL playoffs. This decision comes after Laviolette, despite a prior successful season, could not replicate that performance, leading to his dismissal.
Laviolette’s Tenure with the Rangers
Peter Laviolette, aged 60, served as the head coach for the Rangers for two seasons. During his initial season, he guided the team to the Conference Finals and secured the Presidents’ Trophy. However, the team’s performance this season saw a downturn, culminating in his termination.
The Rangers recorded a regular season record of 39 wins, 36 losses, and 7 overtime losses. The organization officially announced Laviolette’s departure on Saturday afternoon.
In a brief statement released on X, the team expressed, ‘Thank you for everything, Lavi, and all the best.’
Coaching Staff Changes
In addition to Laviolette, associate head coach Phil Housley was also relieved of his duties, as confirmed by the team.
Assistants Dan Muse and Michael Peca, however, will be considered for positions under the new coaching leadership, according to reports from The Athletic.
The Rangers have dismissed head coach Peter Laviolette after the team failed to reach the playoffs.
Laviolette brings a wealth of experience, having coached five other NHL franchises and accumulating 846 regular season victories.
Management Statement on Coaching Change
‘Today, I informed Peter Laviolette and Phil Housley of our decision to make a coaching change,’ stated Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury. ‘I want to extend my gratitude to both of them and wish them and their families well in their future endeavors. Peter is a consummate professional, both on and off the ice, and I sincerely appreciate his commitment and dedication to the Rangers during his tenure as head coach.’
Drury continued, ‘After achieving the best regular-season record in the NHL last year and advancing to the Eastern Conference Final, we entered this season with significant aspirations. Regrettably, we did not achieve these goals. We must all improve, myself included. As we look towards the upcoming season and beyond, I determined that a change in coaching was necessary to provide us with the optimal opportunity to realize our organizational objectives. The search for a new head coach will commence immediately.’
Laviolette’s NHL Coaching Career
Laviolette is a veteran coach in the NHL, having previously served as head coach for the Islanders, Hurricanes, Flyers, Predators, and Capitals. He boasts 846 regular season wins and notably led Carolina to a Stanley Cup victory in the 2005-06 season.
Looking Ahead for the Rangers
The Rangers are now set to begin the 2025-26 season with their fourth head coach since the 2020-21 campaign.
Prior to Laviolette’s hiring in 2023, David Quinn and Gerrard Gallant each served two seasons as head coach for the team.