Despite being let go by the Washington Capitals in April, Peter Laviolette will remain a head coach in the Metropolitan Division.
The New York Rangers announced Tuesday they have hired the former Flyers head coach in the same capacity. Laviolette replaces Gerard Gallant, who was fired on May 8 after two seasons behind the Blueshirts’ bench. The Rangers will be the sixth NHL team Laviolette has coached during his 21-year career. Laviolette, who becomes the 37th coach in Rangers history, will be coaching his fifth team in the Metropolitan Division, which has eight clubs.
“We are thrilled that Peter will be the next head coach of the New York Rangers,” Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said. “With Peter’s extensive experience as a head coach in the National Hockey League, as well as the success his teams have had at several levels throughout his career, we are excited about what the future holds with him leading our team.”
