New York Rangers and head coach Gerard Gallant part ways

The New York Rangers have announced that the team and coach Gerard Gallant has mutually agreed to part ways.

The move comes days after the New Jersey Devils eliminated the Rangers from the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Rangers had a 2-0 series lead over the Devils before a goaltending change seemed to spark new life for the Devils. It was a significant step back for the Rangers, who advanced to the Eastern Conference final in 2022.

Gallant was originally hired by the Rangers in 2021, just a month after coaching Canada to gold at the men’s World Hockey Championship. Gallant has also worked for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights, with his Stanley Cup final trip with the upstart Golden Knights in 2018 being a major career highlight. The Rangers are now the fifth team to make a postseason coaching change, following the footing of the Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals.

Earlier this week, Gallant addressed the rumors of him potentially being let go, calling it “disappointing.”

“I can’t believe I have to answer some of these questions about me getting fired, brought up by the media,” Gallant said. “I’m coming in here [after] what I think was two excellent years. If I can’t stand by my record and what I’ve done, I think there’s something wrong.”

Gallant was the 36th coach in team history, taking over from David Quinn who served from 2018-2021. Tom Renney (2004-09), John Tortorella (2009-13) and Alain Vigneault (2013-18) have also served the rule during the salary cap era.

It will be a summer of retooling for the Rangers, who are expected to move on from at least one of Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane due to cap constraints. K’Andre Miller and Alexis Lafreniere are key RFAs this summer, as well.