Rangers Head Coach Makes Ominous Admission on Job Future

The 60-year-old coach, who was hired ahead of the 2023–24 season, led the Rangers to franchise records in wins (55) and points (114) in his first year behind the bench, winning the Presidents' Trophy with New York last year.

That campaign ended in the Eastern Conference Final, which meant expectations were even higher entering this season.

After a tumultuous start to the campaign, however, the Rangers stumbled through months of inconsistency and sealed their fate on Saturday with a 7–3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

New York, now 37-36-7 with two games left, has been out of the postseason picture for much of the second half of the season, having just 11 wins in 40 games against playoff teams.

“It’s a year where everything went right to a year where things didn’t go right,” Laviolette said. “When things don’t go right, I’m sure everything gets looked at. I’m not naive.”

Though the coach expressed his desire to stay in New York, Laviolette acknowledged the reality of his situation and the possibility of getting fired between now and next season.

“This is the place I want to be—New York City, the New York Rangers," Laviolette said. "It’s a great organization, great city, great family.”

Laviolette has coached six NHL teams, and for now, the Rangers have not indicated whether they plan to retain him.