The Rangers’s first round playoff exit has prompted a major shift within the organization. Just five days after being bested in seven games against the rival Devils, New York has agreed to part ways with head coach Gerard Gallant, according to a team announcement on Saturday.
Gallant had been with the Rangers for two seasons and made the playoffs in both years. He registered a 164-99-46 record as head coach in New York, having previously served in the same role for the Golden Knights, Panthers, and Blue Jackets.
The Rangers had a strong regular season, racking up 107 points and finishing third in the Metropolitan Division. A disappointing 4-0 Game 7 loss will go down as Gallant’s match in charge in New York.
OFFICIAL: #NYR and head coach Gerard Gallant have mutually agreed to part ways.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 6, 2023
The Rangers loaded up at the trade deadline in order to bolster their squad to make another run at the Stanley Cup. Despite acquiring Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko, the team failed to make it out of the first round.
Rangers President and GM Chris Drury issued a statement regarding the decision to move on from Gallant.
“I want to first thank Gerard for his work and commitment to (the Rangers) during his time as head coach. I have a ton of respect for Gerard as both a coach and person and truly appreciate everything he did for us on and off the ice these last two seasons."
Gallant also issued a statement, in which he thanked James Dolan, Drury, and the rest of the organization.
Gerard Gallant: “I would like to thank Mr. Dolan, Chris + the Rangers organization for giving me the opportunity to be their head coach these last two seasons. The experience of coaching an Original Six franchise with such rich history and an incredibly passionate fanbase is…
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 6, 2023
Gallant is now the latest to lose his head coaching job, joining the likes of Brad Larsen (Blue Jackets), Darryl Sutter (Flames), Dallas Eakins (Ducks), and Peter Laviolette (Capitals)
