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Rangers coaching candidates: Seven big-name options to replace David Quinn

Here are the leading candidates right out of the gate.

The Rangers are expected to hire an experienced NHL head coach to replace David Quinn. Here are the leading candidates right out of the gate, listed in alphabetical order:

Mike Babcock

Fifty-eight years old, ranks ninth on the all-time list with 700 victories. Has 2008 Stanley Cup with Red Wings and both 2010 and 2014 Olympic gold medal victories for Canada to his credit. Teams won only one playoff round his final eight years behind NHL bench, was dismissed by Maple Leafs during 2019-20 amid revelations of mistreatment of players.

Gerard Gallant

Fifty-seven years old, had estimable playing career with Red Wings, famously kicked to the curb by Panthers two months into 2016-17 after leading developing Puddy Tats to division title a year earlier. Guided Golden Knights to Cup final in expansion team’s inaugural 2017-18 season but was fired two years later.

Bob Hartley

Sixty years old, coached Rangers president and GM Chris Drury and the Avalanche to 2001 Stanley Cup, reinvigorated programs in Atlanta (with Thrashers) and Calgary. Last behind NHL bench in 2015-16 but won KHL Gagarin Cup with Avangard Omsk this season to add to titles won as coach in NHL, AHL and QMJHL.

Rod Brind’Amour; John Tortorella; Patrick Roy
Getty Images; Ron Antonelli; Getty Images

Patrick Roy

Fifty-five years old, had legendary goaltending career with Montreal and Colorado while winning four Stanley Cups, the final one as Drury’s teammate with the 2001 Avalanche. Colorful, emotional and creative, coached Colorado for three seasons to mixed results while also acting as nominal GM before stepping down amid front office intrigue. Is currently GM-coach of QMJHL Quebec Ramparts.

Rick Tocchet

Fifty-seven years old, quintessential power forward throughout 18-year career in which he won Cup with Penguins in 1992. Coming off four-year run as head coach of Coyotes in which team qualified for playoffs once, last year under the bubble after winning qualifying round.

John Tortorella

Sixty-two years old, tied for 12th in NHL history with 673 career victories and fourth-winningest coach in franchise history with 171 regular season victories. Created a Black-and-Blueshirt mentality during his tenure behind the bench from mid-2008-09 through 2012-13 that crested with trip to 2012 conference finals. Believes in confrontational culture, breaks down teams and players before building them back up in his image.

*Rod Brind’Amour

Fifty years old, current coach of Hurricanes with a contract that expires at end of the league year. Expected to remain in Carolina, but if negotiations break down and Rangers are willing to wait until it all plays out, he would go to the top of the list. There would, of course, be mad competition to hire him.   

This story originally appeared on: NyPost - Author:Larry Brooks

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