Peter Laviolette was dismissed failing to lead the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a move that came less than two days after a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning concluded one of the franchise’s most disappointing seasons.
The focus now shifts to who will take over behind the bench. Whoever steps in will become the team’s third head coach in just four years.
Both Laviolette and the coach before him, Gerard Gallant, lasted two seasons each. In their debut years, they guided the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final and came within two wins of reaching the Stanley Cup Final, only to see the team decline in their second seasons. For Laviolette, that decline meant going from finishing atop the NHL standings in 2023-24 to missing the playoffs entirely this year — a rare feat only three other teams have done since the Presidents’ Trophy was created in 1986.
Now the pressing question is: who will take over as the Rangers’ next head coach?
Top available candidates for Rangers’ vacant coaching job
There are several potential candidates to choose from, depending on the direction general manager Chris Drury and owner James Dolan decide to take. Here’s a breakdown of some of the leading options currently available.
Mike Sullivan
Current Role: Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins
This is the “dream scenario” option.
Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh, is under contract through the 2026-27 season and stated on Friday that he plans to remain with the Penguins, despite the team missing the playoffs for three straight years. Sullivan has ties to the Rangers, having served as an assistant under John Tortorella from 2009 to 2013, and if he showed even slight interest in returning to New York, the Rangers would likely go all out to bring him back.
However, it’s tough to envision the Penguins letting him walk away to coach a major rival within the division.
If Sullivan were to explore other opportunities, the Rangers wouldn’t be the only suitors. The Boston Bruins could also come calling. Sullivan, a Massachusetts native and Boston University alum, began his NHL coaching career with the Bruins—and his son-in-law, Charlie McAvoy, currently plays for them.
Sullivan was Chris Drury’s top candidate before the team hired Gerard Gallant in 2021, and he would again be at the top of the list. If he wants the position, it’s essentially his to take.
John Tortorella
Current Role: Unemployed (dismissed by the Philadelphia Flyers on March 28)
If Mike Sullivan remains in Pittsburgh or chooses a different destination, the Rangers might consider bringing back John Tortorella—a known favorite of team owner James Dolan. Whether general manager Chris Drury is on board is uncertain, especially since Tortorella was the coach who effectively ended Drury’s playing career following the 2010-11 season.
Tortorella ranks as the second-winningest American-born coach in NHL history, trailing only Peter Laviolette. He had a brief four-game stint coaching the Rangers at the end of the 1999-2000 season before taking over the Tampa Bay Lightning the next year, leading them to a Stanley Cup championship in 2004. He returned to the Rangers in 2009 and found some success, guiding them to the Presidents’ Trophy in the 2011-12 campaign.
He spent one more season in New York before moving on to coach the Vancouver Canucks (one year), Columbus Blue Jackets (six years), and most recently the Flyers (two-plus seasons), although none of those stops matched the success he had with the Rangers.
Tortorella is known for getting the most effort out of his players, regardless of roster talent—a trait that could appeal to a Rangers team that struggled with consistency and effort throughout the year.
Joel Quenneville
Current Status: Unemployed (last coached in 2020)
Joel Quenneville brings a decorated coaching resume, highlighted by three Stanley Cup titles with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010, 2013, and 2015. However, his legacy is clouded by his involvement in the Kyle Beach sexual assault case during his time in Chicago, which came to light in 2020. While the NHL has since cleared him to return to coaching, no organization has taken that step yet.
It’s unlikely Quenneville would be interested in joining a team in the midst of a rebuild. However, the Rangers—with their experienced core, star goaltender, and competitive roster—could present an intriguing opportunity if he’s looking to re-enter the league.
Still, recent reports that Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and MSG Sports reached a settlement in a past sexual assault case may complicate the optics of hiring Quenneville. The organization would need to consider whether bringing in a coach previously tied to covering up a similar case is appropriate—and whether Quenneville himself would be comfortable stepping into a franchise facing renewed scrutiny.
Rick Tocchet
Current Position: Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks
Despite the Canucks falling short of expectations this season, Rick Tocchet’s reputation remains strong just a year after earning the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year. He’s slated to coach Team Canada at the upcoming World Championships, a clear sign of the high regard he still holds in hockey circles.
Tocchet’s current contract includes a team option for the 2025-26 season, giving Vancouver some flexibility to negotiate a new deal. On Friday, Tocchet said he plans to “go through the process,” though he didn’t elaborate on what that process entails.
If he chooses not to re-sign and the Canucks are uneasy about entering next season with a coach potentially on the way out, Tocchet would likely attract considerable interest from other teams. One possible destination could be the Flyers, where he spent much of his playing career.
Rangers GM Chris Drury previously interviewed Tocchet before hiring Gerard Gallant, indicating past interest. Additionally, J.T. Miller—traded from Vancouver to New York this season—is reportedly a supporter of Tocchet. Should contract talks with the Canucks stall and the Rangers’ position still be open, Drury could very well circle back.
David Carle
Current Position: Head Coach at the University of Denver
At just 35 years old, David Carle is drawing serious interest from NHL teams after an impressive run at Denver, where he’s won two NCAA championships in seven seasons. He’s also led Team USA to consecutive gold medals at the World Junior Championships in 2024 and 2025—both squads featuring Rangers prospects Gabe Perreault and Drew Fortescue.
However, one factor working against him could be the Rangers’ previous experience hiring a college coach. The last time they did so, it was David Quinn from Boston University, who was let go in 2021 after ownership moved on from then-president John Davidson and GM Jeff Gorton. That shift marked the end of the rebuild and led to the hiring of Gerard Gallant.
Would James Dolan and Chris Drury take another chance on a coach without NHL experience—either behind the bench or as a player (Carle’s playing career ended prematurely due to a heart condition)? While it’s not out of the question, it appears to be an unlikely path at this point.
Dan Muse/Michael Peca
Current Positions: Assistant Coaches with the New York Rangers
While associate head coach Phil Housley was let go alongside Peter Laviolette, assistants Dan Muse and Michael Peca remain on staff and are reportedly expected to be considered for the head coaching vacancy.
Muse, who previously coached Gabe Perreault with the U.S. National Team Development Program, is said to have strong support among several players. Peca, a former Selke Trophy winner in 1996-97 and 2001-02, transitioned to coaching under Laviolette and has just two years of NHL bench experience.
Although both assistants could be interviewed for the head coaching role, the consensus is that taking over a marquee franchise like the Rangers may be a step too soon. For now, they’re viewed more as candidates to remain in supporting roles.