The New York Rangers made a major announcement on Saturday, confirming they have fired head coach Peter Laviolette following a disappointing 2024-25 season. The team also relieved associate coach Phil Housley of his duties, signaling a full reset behind the bench.
General manager Chris Drury expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “Peter is first-class all the way, both professionally and personally, and I am truly grateful for his passion and dedication to the Rangers in his time as head coach.” While respectful, the statement made it clear that the decision was based on performance and unmet expectations.
A Season That Fell Short
The move comes just one year after Laviolette guided the Rangers to an incredible 2023-24 season, where they posted a 55-23-4 record, captured the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s best regular-season team, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, eventually losing to the Florida Panthers in six games.
Expectations were high coming into this season, but the Rangers struggled from the start and finished fifth in the Metropolitan Division, missing the playoffs by six points. Their final record stood at 39-36-7, a massive drop-off from the previous campaign.
Drury was clear about the organization’s disappointment, saying, “We came into this season with high expectations for ourselves. Quite simply, we failed to meet those expectations.”
Laviolette’s Tenure in New York
Peter Laviolette was hired in 2023 with hopes of bringing playoff success to a talented Rangers roster. Across his two seasons in New York, he posted a 94-59-11 record, with a .607 win percentage. Despite his strong first season, the team’s regression this year proved costly.
Late in the season, Laviolette raised eyebrows with a post-game quote that hinted at trouble behind the scenes. Following a 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 7, he told reporters, “I don’t have a message right now. I don’t go into the locker room after the game.” The unusual comment sparked speculation that his days in New York might be numbered.
A Long, Accomplished Career
Laviolette’s coaching résumé is among the most accomplished in the modern NHL. Before joining the Rangers, he spent 21 seasons as an NHL head coach, leading five other franchises:
- New York Islanders (2001–2003)
- Carolina Hurricanes (2003–2009) – Won Stanley Cup in 2006
- Philadelphia Flyers (2009–2013) – Stanley Cup Finalist in 2010
- Nashville Predators (2014–2020) – Stanley Cup Finalist in 2017
- Washington Capitals (2020–2023)
Laviolette is widely respected across the league and is expected to receive interest for future coaching opportunities, given his experience and winning track record.
What’s Next for the Rangers?
Chris Drury confirmed that the search for a new head coach begins immediately, with no time wasted as the team looks to regroup and refocus.
The Rangers still have a strong roster led by stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Igor Shesterkin, and Adam Fox, along with a promising crop of young talent. However, after missing the playoffs, the pressure is on to find a coach who can bring consistency, accountability, and playoff success.
Some early names that could be in the mix include Mike Sullivan, David Carle, Rick Tocchet (if available), and possibly even internal candidates like Michael Peca.
The firing of Peter Laviolette ends a short but eventful chapter in New York Rangers history. After a promising first season, the team failed to live up to expectations in year two, leading to a coaching change. With one of the league’s most passionate fan bases and a talented lineup, the Rangers’ next coaching hire will be one of the most important decisions of the offseason.
