The Top Three Candidates to Succeed Peter Laviolette as Head Coach of the New York Rangers: Analyzing Larry Brooks’ Insights
As the New York Rangers continue their pursuit of a championship, the question of who will succeed Peter Laviolette as head coach has become increasingly relevant. Laviolette’s tenure with the Rangers was filled with highs and lows, but his departure, whether by design or necessity, opens the door for fresh leadership to guide the team into the future. In his piece for the New York Post, Larry Brooks presented a compelling analysis of potential candidates to take the reins as the Rangers’ next head coach. Among the names that have emerged, Joel Quenneville stands out as one of the leading candidates, but Brooks also pointed to a few other notable figures with a strong chance to step into the role.
This article takes a closer look at the top three candidates to succeed Peter Laviolette as the head coach of the New York Rangers, based on Larry Brooks’ analysis, including Joel Quenneville, Mike Sullivan, and John Hynes.
1. Joel Quenneville: The Experienced Stanley Cup Champion
Joel Quenneville is one of the most accomplished coaches in NHL history, and his name has been floated as a top candidate to replace Peter Laviolette. Quenneville is widely regarded for his ability to manage star players, develop team chemistry, and build strong defensive systems — all traits that would be highly valuable for the Rangers as they look to compete for a Stanley Cup.
Quenneville’s Track Record
Quenneville’s coaching resume speaks for itself. The Chicago Blackhawks enjoyed incredible success during his time as their head coach, where he led the team to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He has also been successful in fostering an environment where young talent can thrive alongside seasoned veterans. This ability to balance player development with immediate success would be beneficial for the Rangers, a team that features a mix of established stars and younger players looking to take the next step.
One of Quenneville’s greatest strengths is his ability to adapt to changing dynamics. Whether it was adjusting his strategy to take advantage of the offensive explosiveness of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews or evolving his defensive systems, Quenneville demonstrated an uncanny knack for molding his coaching style to the talent available. This adaptability would likely be a key factor in his success with the Rangers.
Challenges for Quenneville
However, there are challenges that Quenneville would face as he transitions to a new role with the Rangers. The most significant obstacle is Quenneville’s controversial departure from the Florida Panthers in 2021 after his involvement in the aftermath of the Kyle Beach sexual assault scandal was uncovered. Although Quenneville was never accused of direct wrongdoing, the negative publicity surrounding his exit from the Panthers has created some uncertainty regarding his future as an NHL head coach.
Despite this, Quenneville’s coaching pedigree and history of success cannot be ignored. If the Rangers are looking for a proven winner with vast experience in both the regular season and playoffs, Joel Quenneville is certainly one of the top candidates.
2. Mike Sullivan: The Steady Hand Behind the Penguins’ Success
Another top candidate that Larry Brooks highlights is Mike Sullivan, the current head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sullivan has been a highly successful coach in Pittsburgh, leading the Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. He has established himself as one of the most respected coaches in the NHL, known for his ability to get the best out of his players while maintaining a disciplined approach to the game.
Sullivan’s Coaching Philosophy
Sullivan’s coaching philosophy focuses on strong defensive play and a commitment to team structure. His ability to establish a disciplined, well-organized defense has been a hallmark of his tenure in Pittsburgh. Under Sullivan, the Penguins have remained competitive even as key players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang have aged. This ability to maximize the output of aging stars while integrating younger players into the mix has made Sullivan an attractive candidate for many teams.
Sullivan’s emphasis on a fast, up-tempo game and a strong defensive system fits well with the Rangers’ current roster. The team is built around high-scoring talents like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Igor Shesterkin in goal. Sullivan’s expertise could help the Rangers fine-tune their defense, which remains one of the team’s most significant areas for improvement.
Challenges for Sullivan
While Sullivan has been successful in Pittsburgh, his departure from the Penguins is not a foregone conclusion. The organization has a strong relationship with him, and there is no indication that Sullivan will leave his post unless the situation in Pittsburgh deteriorates significantly. However, if he does become available, Sullivan would undoubtedly be a strong candidate for the Rangers’ head coach position.
Another challenge for Sullivan is that, despite his success, there are questions about how he would fare in a market as high-pressure and intense as New York. While Sullivan is known for his calm demeanor and ability to manage big personalities, the New York media and fanbase can be unforgiving, especially when things are not going well.
3. John Hynes: The Rising Star
The third candidate that Larry Brooks highlights is John Hynes, a coach who may not have the same established pedigree as Quenneville or Sullivan, but one who has shown promise and growth in his career. Hynes is currently the head coach of the Nashville Predators and has demonstrated an ability to develop strong defensive teams and manage young talent effectively. Hynes is a coach who has been on the rise, and many believe he is on the verge of breaking through as one of the top coaching talents in the NHL.
Hynes’ Career Trajectory
Hynes initially made a name for himself with the New Jersey Devils, where he was hired as the team’s head coach in 2015. Despite a lack of success in terms of postseason appearances, Hynes earned praise for his work with the Devils’ younger players, and he was eventually hired by the Predators in 2019.
Since taking over in Nashville, Hynes has led the Predators to consistent success, instilling a strong defensive system while promoting a hardworking, physical style of play. He has also helped develop young players like Roman Josi and Juuse Saros, which could bode well for the Rangers as they look to develop some of their younger assets, such as Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière.
Challenges for Hynes
While Hynes has shown promise, there are still questions about his ability to succeed in a high-pressure environment like New York. His tenure with the Devils was relatively short, and while he has had success with the Predators, his overall body of work in the NHL is not as extensive as that of some other candidates. There are concerns about his ability to handle the expectations that come with coaching a team like the Rangers, who are in a constant championship-or-bust mentality.
However, Hynes’ youth, energy, and fresh approach to the game could resonate well with the Rangers’ current core of young players. His emphasis on player development and team-first mentality might be just what the Rangers need as they continue to build a championship-caliber roster.
Conclusion: The Search for the Next Rangers’ Head Coach
As Peter Laviolette departs, the Rangers find themselves at a crossroads. With a roster full of high-end talent and championship aspirations, they need a head coach who can maximize that talent and lead the team through the pressures of New York. According to Larry Brooks, the top candidates for the job are Joel Quenneville, Mike Sullivan, and John Hynes.
- Quenneville brings a wealth of experience and multiple championships, making him an appealing choice for a team looking to win now.
- Sullivan has proven his ability to manage both star players and defensive play, and his experience with high-pressure situations could make him a fit for the Rangers.
- Hynes represents a younger, more developmental option who could help guide the next generation of Rangers talent.
The next head coach of the Rangers will have big shoes to fill, but these three candidates have the potential to lead the team to the next level.
