Forget Cole Caufield’s contract or even Patrick Roy’s probable arrival in the NHL, the big story in the NHL is clearly the race for the New York Rangers head coaching job…
We know that Roy was an interesting candidate to go to New York, as he knows Chris Drury, the team’s GM. However, last we heard, he hadn’t spoken with the organization (yet) about the coaching job. But with his QMJHL season now over, perhaps that will change…
But according to Elliotte Friedman, the race for the coveted position is between Peter Laviolette and John Hynes, two coaches who have been fired in recent months.
Friedman on the NHL Network believes the Rangers head coaching position will come down to Laviolette and Hynes, he also believes they were keeping an eye out for Mike Sullivan and Sheldon Keefe, but looks like those two will stay where they are.
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 5, 2023
Chris Drury was eyeing Sheldon Keefe and Mike Sullivan, but both drivers are currently employed (and under contract) with the Maple Leafs and Penguins. We’ll have to forget about them.
With the arrival of Barry Trotz at the Predators’ helm, Nashville decided to go ahead without Hynes and hire Andrew Brunette, the Jack-Adams Trophy finalist for the 2022-2023 season. Hynes will thus have remained in the country town for four years, and will have made the playoffs three times. He remains a coach who has the respect of his players and who has nine seasons under his belt as a pilot. The same is true of Laviolette, who has a little more experience.
As for Patrick Roy, his name remains linked to the Blue Jackets(although time is running out with the Mike Babcock rumours) and the Senators, who already have a coach under contract.
Apart from the Rangers and Jackets, only the Flames and Ducks are currently without a coach. However, the Quebecer’s name has never been linked to either of these teams. I doubt he’ll be heading for Anaheim or Calgary. I think the chances are slim.
Will the rumours and discussions with other general managers start to intensify now that his season with the Remparts is over? Perhaps.
In gusto
– Speak of the devil.
Chronique | With the expected departure of Patrick Roy, the QMJHL loses its biggest star https://t.co/A7Th6GcVXz
– Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) June 5, 2023
– Quite a field hockey man.
Not bad https://t.co/FkaEXzKZSU
– HabsLinks (@HabsLinks) June 5, 2023
– That’s a good one.
Patrick Roy can’t even hear the applause because he has his 2 Memorial Cup rings plugging his ears
– The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) June 5, 2023
– Heat level the series.
Nikola Jokic’s brilliance in vain; Heat level NBA Finals serieshttps://t.co/qese4cT2vz
– RDS (@RDSca) June 5, 2023