Following the firing of head coach Peter Laviolette, the New York Rangers are in search of a new leader, adding to the pressure faced by team president Chris Drury. Laviolette, who lasted two years in a disappointing season which saw the Rangers miss the playoffs for the first time in four seasons, has opened up possibilities for Drury to explore various coaching candidates.

Drury's focus will likely be on candidates with experience, although he remains open to first-time coaches. The goal is not a rebuild but a retooling to ensure the Rangers return to contention. With notable veterans like J.T. Miller, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad aging and star goaltender Igor Shesterkin approaching 30, the Rangers are in a unique position to seek a transformative figure behind the bench.