The New York Rangers have initiated significant changes within their coaching staff following a disappointing campaign. On Saturday, the organization announced the termination of head coach Peter Laviolette’s contract after just two years in charge. Associate Coach Phil Housley was also relieved of his duties concurrently.
This decision arrives amidst a season that saw the Rangers record a 39-36-7 overall standing and ultimately fail to qualify for the playoffs, a stark contrast to their previous success. The team’s performance represents a notable regression after achieving the President’s Trophy in the preceding year and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
“Today I informed Peter Laviolette and Phil Housley that we’re making a coaching change,” stated Rangers general manager Chris Drury in an official statement. “I want to thank them both and wish them and their families all the best going forward. Peter is first class all the way, both professionally and personally, and I am truly grateful for his passion and dedication to the Rangers in his time as head coach.”
Drury further acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating: “After finishing with the best regular season record in the NHL a year ago and making a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, we came into this season with high expectations for ourselves. Quite simply, we failed to meet those expectations. We must all do better – myself included.”
The Rangers’ 2023-2024 season was marked by exceptional achievement; they amassed a franchise-record 114 points and secured 55 victories under Laviolette’s guidance. However, this success failed to translate into playoff contention.
Looking ahead, Drury emphasized the necessity of change: “As we head into next season and beyond, I felt that a change was necessary in order to give us the best chance to achieve our goals as an organization. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.”
Laviolette’s coaching tenure spanned six different NHL teams – Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, and most recently, the Rangers – showcasing his extensive experience. Despite initial high hopes fueled by last season’s Eastern Conference Final appearance against the Florida Panthers, inconsistencies plagued the team’s performance throughout the year. Key players like forward Mika Zibanejad (20 goals, 62 points this season; 26 goals, 72 points last season) and Chris Kreider (39 goals, 76 points last season; 22 goals, 30 points this season) experienced a decline in their usual output.
Experts believe Laviolette and Housley’s departures signal the beginning of a broader overhaul within the Rangers organization. General Manager Drury is anticipated to implement significant changes across the roster as he seeks to revitalize the team’s prospects for future success.
