Rangers head coach: the race is between Peter Laviolette and John Hynes

Forget Cole Caufield’s contract or even Patrick Roy’s probable arrival in the NHL, the big story in the NHL is clearly the race for the New York Rangers head coaching job…

We know that Roy was an interesting candidate to go to New York, as he knows Chris Drury, the team’s GM. However, last we heard, he hadn’t spoken with the organization (yet) about the coaching job. But with his QMJHL season now over, perhaps that will change…

But according to Elliotte Friedman, the race for the coveted position is between Peter Laviolette and John Hynes, two coaches who have been fired in recent months.

Chris Drury was eyeing Sheldon Keefe and Mike Sullivan, but both drivers are currently employed (and under contract) with the Maple Leafs and Penguins. We’ll have to forget about them.

With the arrival of Barry Trotz at the Predators’ helm, Nashville decided to go ahead without Hynes and hire Andrew Brunette, the Jack-Adams Trophy finalist for the 2022-2023 season. Hynes will thus have remained in the country town for four years, and will have made the playoffs three times. He remains a coach who has the respect of his players and who has nine seasons under his belt as a pilot. The same is true of Laviolette, who has a little more experience.

As for Patrick Roy, his name remains linked to the Blue Jackets(although time is running out with the Mike Babcock rumours) and the Senators, who already have a coach under contract.

Apart from the Rangers and Jackets, only the Flames and Ducks are currently without a coach. However, the Quebecer’s name has never been linked to either of these teams. I doubt he’ll be heading for Anaheim or Calgary. I think the chances are slim.

Will the rumours and discussions with other general managers start to intensify now that his season with the Remparts is over? Perhaps.

In gusto

– Speak of the devil.

– Quite a field hockey man.

– That’s a good one.

– Heat level the series.