Gallant out as coach of Rangers after first-round elimination - ESPN

The New York Rangers and coach Gerard Gallant have «mutually agreed to part ways,» the team announced on Saturday.

Gallant, 59, was in his second year with the Rangers, having compiled a 99-46-19 record in the regular season. He coached them to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022, losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning. But the Rangers were a disappointment in the 2023 postseason, losing in seven games to the rival New Jersey Devils despite winning the first two games of the series.

«I want to first thank Gerard for his work and commitment to the Rangers during his time as head coach,» Rangers general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. «After my evaluation of the season and discussions with Gerard, we mutually came to the conclusion that a change would be beneficial for both parties. I wish he and his family all the best in the future. Our search for a new head coach will begin right away.»

There was talk after the Rangers' elimination that Gallant's job could be in jeopardy, despite being signed through 2024-25. The team had high expectations heading into the playoffs after acquiring star wingers Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko at the trade deadline. Both of them are unrestricted free agents this summer.

Drury didn't meet with the media on the Rangers' breakdown day last Wednesday. Gallant did and said he had yet to meet with Drury about this status. He was frustrated that his job security was even at issue.

«I'm coming in here after what I think were two successful years. We had one bad week and that cost us. If I can't stand by my record and what I've done — and not just my record here — I think there's something wrong. I think it's pretty good. But we're in New York and people put stuff out there, and that's