Reports are swirling that Alain Vigneault will be the new Head Coach of the New York Rangers. Vigneault recently withdrew his name from consideration for the Dallas Stars coaching job, fueling speculation that he is the man in New York.
Vigneault will replace John Tortorella who was fired after the Rangers 5 game second round loss to the Boston Bruins. The Rangers were 6th in the East this year and defeated the Washington Capitals in 6 games in the first round.
Vigneault was fired following his Canucks losing in 4 games to the San Jose Sharks. Vigneault coached the Canucks for 6 years. His team lost the 2011 Stanley Cup final to the Boston Bruins. He led the Canucks to two President’s Trophies as the NHL’s best regular season team. He also won the 2007 Jack Adams award as NHL coach of the year. Vigneault previously coached the Montreal Canadiens for four seasons from 1997-2001. His career record is 422-288-35*-61**. (*= ties ** = OT/SO losses)
Vigneault takes over a club featuring the likes of Brad Richards, Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal, Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Michael Del Zotto, and Henrik Lundqvist. The roster is well paid and looks like a Cup contender on paper, however they massively underachieved this season. It will be Vigneault’s job to get return on the investment for GM Glen Sather.
Other contenders for the Rangers job reportedly included Mark Messier, and Lindy Ruff.
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