The New York Rangers announced early Saturday evening that the team and head coach Gerard Galant have mutually agreed to part ways.
OFFICIAL: #NYR and head coach Gerard Gallant have mutually agreed to part ways.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 6, 2023
“I want to first thank Gerard for his work and commitment to the Rangers during his time as head coach,” Rangers GM Chris Drury in a statement. “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.
“After my evaluation of the season and discussions with Gerard, we mutually came to the conclusion that a change would be beneficial for both parties. I wish he and his family all the best in the future. Our search for a new head coach will begin right away.”
Gallant was announced as the head coach of the New York Rangers on June 16, 2021, replacing David Quinn. Gallant had next season plus a club option left on his contract.
Gallant had next season plus a club option left on his contract.
My sense is Gallant still does want to coach. So a very good name now on the free-agent coaching market. https://t.co/K5UPE0TT9R— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 6, 2023
Gallant became the first to coach the Rangers to back-to-back 100-point seasons in his first two years with the franchise On April 2, 2023, but would lose in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Gallant was announced as the first head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights on April 13, 2017. Gallant led the Vegas to one of the most successful debut seasons for an expansion team in North American major professional sports history, ultimately losing to the Capitals in the 2018 Stanley Cup finals.
Gallant would lead the Golden Knights to another playoff appearance in 2019, losing in the Western Conference First Round to the San Jose Sharks. He was ultimately fired by the Golden Knights on January 15, 2020, after a four-game losing streak.
The 2022 Jack Adams Award nominees… pic.twitter.com/FZsE3BrUDl
— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) May 6, 2023
On a side note, all three of the 2022 Jack Adams nominees are now no longer with the team they were nominated for coaching.