Laviolette hired as coach of Rangers, replaces Gallant

Peter Laviolette was hired as coach of the New York Rangers on Tuesday.

The 58-year-old replaces Gerard Gallant, who was fired by the Rangers on May 6. New York was 47-22-13 this season but lost 4-0 to the New Jersey Devils in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference First Round after it had a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.

"We are thrilled that Peter will be the next head coach of the New York Rangers," general manager Chris Drury said. "With Peter's extensive experience as a head coach in the National Hockey League, as well as the success his teams have had at several levels throughout his career, we are excited about what the future holds with him leading our team."

Laviolette's coaching staff will be discussed in the days ahead, but Gord Murphy, an assistant under Gallant, will not be part of it.

Laviolette's three-year contract as coach of the Washington Capitals was to expire June 30, and he told general manager Brian MacLellan of his decision to not return next season during a meeting April 14. The Capitals then announced that they and Laviolette "agreed to mutually part ways" after not qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2013-14.

Laviolette had said he'd like to coach in the NHL again but didn't leave the Capitals so he could get a head start on another job.

"I do want to coach again if somebody will have me, but I hadn't even thought about that," Laviolette said April 28. "It was more that my term was up, my contract was up, and on June 30, I would be done here."

Washington was 115-78-27 in three seasons under Laviolette, including 35-37-10 this season to finish 12 points behind the Florida Panthers for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference. The Capitals qualified for the playoffs eight consecutive seasons before that, including Laviolette's first two seasons, but have not won a playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018.

Laviolette is 752-503-150 with 25 ties in 21 NHL seasons as coach of the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators and Capitals. He won the Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006 and is one of four coaches to reach the Cup Final with three teams (also Philadelphia, 2010; Nashville, 2017), along with Scotty Bowman, Dick Irvin and Mike Keenan. His 752 wins are eighth in NHL history and most among coaches born in the United States.

"I would like to welcome Peter to the New York Rangers," owner James Dolan said. "Peter's impressive resume, which includes winning a Stanley Cup and advancing to the Final with three different teams, has made him one of the most respected coaches in the League. As we move forward in our goal to consistently contend for the Stanley Cup, I am confident that Peter is the right head coach to lead our team."

The Columbus Blue Jackets are the only NHL team without a coach. The Capitals hired Spencer Carbery on May 30, and the Predators named Andrew Brunette coach the next day. Greg Cronin was hired by the Anaheim Ducks on June 5, and the Calgary Flames hired Ryan Huska on Monday.

NHL.com staff writer Tom Gulitti contributed to this report