The man known affectionately as “Spuddy” is on the verge of officially landing back in the NHL.
According to noted New York Post beat writer Larry Brooks, the New York Rangers have reached an agreement with Gerard Gallant to be named their next head coach:
BREAKING: Rangers have reached agreement to hire Gerard Gallant as head coach, Post has learned.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) June 14, 2021
Gallant, who just coached Team Canada to gold at the IIHF World Championship, helped lead the expansion Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season of 2017-18, and followed that up with another strong season and playoff appearance in 2018-19. For his efforts in Vegas in their first year, he was awarded the Jack Adams Trophy as the top coach in the NHL. However, team management decided to show him the door last season, and he was replaced by former San Jose Sharks bench boss Peter DeBoer.
Gallant’s coaching record also includes leading the Florida Panthers to a playoff spot in 2015-16, as well as coaching the Columbus Blue Jackets and serving as an assistant with the New York Islanders.
