JUST IN: New York Rangers Make Major Shake-Up, Head Coach and Two Players Cut

New York Rangers Make Major Shake-Up: Head Coach and Two Players Cut

New York, NY – The New York Rangers have made a bold move as they continue to reshape their roster and coaching staff. The organization announced on Monday that they have parted ways with head coach Peter Laviolette and two players, in a surprising decision that signals a new direction for the franchise.

Rangers Move On from Head Coach Peter Laviolette

After a disappointing postseason exit, the Rangers front office decided it was time for a leadership change behind the bench. Laviolette, who had been with the team for just one season, failed to lead the Rangers to a deep playoff run despite a talented roster.

General Manager Chris Drury addressed the decision in a press conference, stating, “We appreciate everything Peter has done for this organization, but we believe a new voice is needed to take this team to the next level. We have high expectations, and we are committed to finding the right leadership to bring a Stanley Cup back to New York.”

During his tenure, Laviolette guided the team to a strong regular season but struggled to maintain consistency in critical playoff games. The search for his replacement is already underway, with several potential candidates rumored to be in the mix.

Rangers Cut Ties with Barclay Goodrow and Zac Jones

In addition to the coaching change, the Rangers have also released two players: veteran forward Barclay Goodrow and young defenseman Zac Jones. The moves come as the team looks to free up cap space and create opportunities for younger talent to step into bigger roles.

Goodrow, who signed with the Rangers in 2021, was a key depth player known for his physicality and leadership. However, his offensive production declined, and his contract became a concern for the team’s salary cap situation. Meanwhile, Jones, a promising young defenseman, struggled to secure a consistent role in the lineup and was deemed expendable as the team looks to revamp its blue line.

Drury explained the roster moves, saying, “These were tough decisions, but we have to do what’s best for the organization. We believe this is the right step forward as we continue to build a competitive team.”

What’s Next for the Rangers?

With these changes, the Rangers are entering a pivotal offseason. The front office will now focus on hiring a new head coach and exploring roster upgrades through free agency and trades. New York remains a destination for top talent, and fans can expect the organization to be aggressive in its pursuit of improvement.

The Rangers will also look toward their young core, including Adam Fox and Alexis Lafrenière, to take on more leadership responsibility moving forward.

As the Rangers move into a new era, the question remains: will these changes bring them closer to their championship aspirations? Time will tell, but one thing is clear—New York is making bold moves to shake things up.