8 NHL Assistants the Rangers Should Consider for Head Coach, Including Jessica Campbell
For the third time since becoming New York Rangers president and GM in May 2021, Chris Drury is tasked with finding a new head coach. After securing a multi-year contract extension from owner James Dolan, the pressure is on Drury to make a strong hire following Peter Laviolette’s firing last weekend.
Drury has committed to an exhaustive search, indicating he will also consider candidates without previous NHL head coaching experience. His first two hires — Gerard Gallant and Laviolette — each led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final in their debut seasons, only to be let go after underwhelming second years.
Laviolette’s 2024-25 Rangers team collapsed, dropping 29 points from the previous season and becoming just the fourth Presidents’ Trophy winner to miss the playoffs the following year.
Among Drury’s options are several highly regarded NHL assistants. Here are eight names likely to be in the mix:
Michael Peca and Dan Muse
Peca and Muse, both assistants under Laviolette, were not let go alongside him and associate coach Phil Housley. Both are expected to be interviewed for the vacancy.
Peca, a two-time Selke Trophy winner and former captain of the Sabres and Islanders, spent the last two seasons on the Rangers’ bench. He previously worked as a development coach for the Capitals and an AHL assistant with Rochester.
Muse, a promising 42-year-old coach, joined the Rangers two years ago and previously worked with the U.S. National Team Development Program, helping develop current Ranger Gabe Perreault.
Jessica Campbell
Campbell made history this season as the first woman to serve full-time behind an NHL bench, joining the Seattle Kraken as an assistant.
The 32-year-old, an elite skating coach who’s worked with NHLers like Joel Edmundson, has previous ties to the Rangers, having coached at their 2022 development camp. She later served two seasons as an AHL assistant with Coachella Valley. Campbell is viewed as a fast-rising talent and is expected to earn a serious interview, even if she may need a bit more seasoning before landing a head job.
Sylvain Lefebvre
A 57-year-old defensive specialist, Lefebvre is in his third year helping oversee the Florida Panthers’ stingy defense, which contributed to a Stanley Cup win last season. He also won a Cup as a player with the Avalanche in 1996.
Lefebvre’s defensive acumen could be attractive to a Rangers team that struggled defensively last year. His past experience — including six seasons as an AHL head coach and four seasons playing for the Rangers — further boosts his résumé.
D.J. Smith
Currently an assistant with the Kings, Smith also has head coaching experience from his time with the Ottawa Senators (2019–24). While his NHL head coaching record is 131-154-32, he gained respect for guiding a young Senators squad through a rebuild.
As the Kings’ defensive coach, Smith helped the team allow the second-fewest shots per game this season, something the defensively-challenged Rangers would surely value.
Marc Savard
Savard, an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has prior NHL coaching experience with the Flames and a successful OHL head coaching stint with the Windsor Spitfires, leading them to the final in his first season.
Savard’s ties to the Rangers include playing 98 games for them after being drafted in 1995. He also has a strong connection with current Rangers forward Will Cuylle, who captained Savard’s Spitfires team.
Jeff Halpern
A key member of Jon Cooper’s coaching staff in Tampa Bay, Halpern has contributed to two Stanley Cup wins and a Finals appearance since joining the Lightning seven years ago.
He coaches the forwards and power play, which ranked fifth in the league this season. A former NHL player himself, Halpern briefly played for the Rangers during the 2012-13 season. His attention to detail has been praised by executives like Capitals president Brian MacLellan.
Jay Leach
Leach, currently an assistant with the Boston Bruins, interviewed for the Rangers’ opening two years ago and remains a strong candidate.
Before joining the Bruins and previously the Kraken, he was a successful AHL head coach with Providence, compiling a 136-77-26 record. Although his NHL playing career was limited, his extensive coaching background makes him an appealing choice.
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