Rangers Name Kris Knoblauch as New Head Coach
The New York Rangers have officially named Kris Knoblauch as the 37th head coach in franchise history, the organization announced Tuesday afternoon. Knoblauch, 46, takes the reins following the dismissal of Peter Laviolette last week after two seasons at the helm.
Knoblauch, most recently the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers during their playoff run in 2023–24, brings a blend of developmental insight and NHL experience. He previously served as head coach of the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, from 2019 to 2023, where he was credited with cultivating several of the Rangers’ current core players.
President and General Manager Chris Drury addressed the media in a press conference at Madison Square Garden, expressing confidence in the new hire.
“Kris is a coach who understands our organization, our culture, and most importantly, our players,” said Drury. “We believe his ability to connect with young talent while instilling structure and accountability makes him the right choice moving forward.”
A Return to Familiar Grounds
For Knoblauch, the Rangers’ bench is a familiar setting. During the 2020-21 season, he stepped in as interim head coach during a COVID related absence of then-coach David Quinn, going 4-2-1 in a brief but impressive stint.
“I’m honored and thrilled to return to New York in this role,” Knoblauch said in a statement. “This organization means a lot to me, and I’m looking forward to working with our players and staff to bring championship hockey back to Rangers fans.”
Known for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen, Knoblauch will be expected to help further the development of stars like Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kakko, and Braden Schneider, while maintaining a winning environment around veterans such as Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin.
One of his first tasks will be assembling a new coaching staff. Assistant coach Gord Murphy is reportedly staying on, but other changes behind the bench are anticipated in the coming days.
Expectations High as New Era Begins
Knoblauch’s hiring comes at a pivotal moment for the Rangers. After reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2023, the team missed the playoffs in 2024–25, leading to organizational frustration and fan discontent.
The new head coach emphasized a player-driven culture built on communication, pace, and discipline.
“We want to be fast, structured, and relentless,” Knoblauch said. “The identity of Rangers hockey has always been one of pride and effort. We’re going to honor that.”
Around the NHL, analysts have praised the move as both bold and logical.
“Knoblauch has always been seen as a rising star in coaching circles,” said NHL Network analyst Mike Rupp. “He’s coached many of these guys already and knows the pressure of the New York market.”
Training camp begins in September, and expectations are already sky-high. For Rangers fans, a new era begins with a familiar face leading the charge.
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