Nothing excites me less than the coaching carousel. When you fire a good coach, you take a huge risk moving forward. John Tortorella’s replacement will have more pressure. The media scrutiny will start immediately with franchise goalie Henrik Lundqvist entering his final year.

Assuming Glen Sather is smart, he’ll begin negotiations with the 31-year old Swede on a new contract. It’ll probably take a max deal to keep him. That’s eight years at approximately $80 million. A future cap headache if that’s what it takes. The Rangers have no heir apparent in the system. If they had a No.1 pick, they could use it on Anthony Brodeur. Sadly, I’m not joking anymore. Without Hank, they’re cooked.

How they plan to have enough space after re-signing key restricted’s Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh and Carl Hagelin I don’t know. Ryane Clowe might have to take a discount. Nobody has raised their stock more than Bryan Bickell. The gritty Hawks forward plays on their top line and has scored and set up big goals. Last night, he continued his run with a goal and helper to put Chicago up 3-1 on Los Angeles. Old friend Michal Rozsival is five games away from a Stanley Cup. He did just fine logging a ton of minutes with Duncan Keith suspended. Remember when Sather unloaded him? Wojtek Wolski. Say it ain’t so. Funny how things work out.

Not only must Slats get Stepan and McDonagh extended long-term but also should retain Mats Zuccarello, who’s offensive skill combined with grit makes him worth it. John Moore also needs a new contract. So, there’s plenty for Sather and assistant GM Jeff Gorton to get accomplished over the next two months. If they decide Clowe’s too much of an injury risk, do they go hard for Bickell? He certainly boasts size and speed that has benefited from playing with Jonathan Toews. We like him. But how much of a raise does he get from earning $600,000? Someone will overpay. Viktor Stalberg might also be available. A cheaper option.

The Rangers must bolster their depth. The bottom six forwards are too slow and not physical enough. A healthier Derek Dorsett can help team toughness. Brian Boyle is a solid citizen who shouldn’t be asked to play more than fourth line, penalty kill and take key draws. Taylor Pyatt can’t play every game. Neither can Arron Asham. We’re certain the organization will take a look at fellow Swedes Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg in camp. I’ve always believed that Ryan Bourque could play on a fourth line and kill penalties. Injuries not withstanding. Former ’11 fourth round pick Michael St. Croix should turn pro after consecutive big seasons with Edmonton of the WHL. Like J.T. Miller, he shouldn’t be rushed.

Indeed, our team boasts prospects who could be part of the future. Brady Skjei and Cristoval “Boo” Nieves each were invited to USA Junior Camp. Calle Andersson sounds like the one defense prospect who has offensive potential with possibly Skjei developing into one at Minnesota. Unfortunately, we won’t see either for a while. The ghosts of Brian Leetch and Sergei Zubov still haunt the franchise. They’re without a power play quarterback. Even with Tortorella gone and hopefully Mike Sullivan right behind, whoever they bring in will have to address the same issue. It’s like the recurring theme from Groundhog Day. Unless you fix the personnel, it’ll continue to make Ranger fans blue in the face.

On a gloomy June day in New York City, we’re no closer to finding out the answer to our team’s next coach. The choices are as follows:

A.Alain Vigneault-loser coach who couldn’t win with talent

B.Lindy Ruff-Tortorella II

C.Dave Tippett-quality coach who gets most out of Phoenix

D.Dan Bylsma-won after taking over Pens but hasn’t since

E.Dallas Eakins-draws raves from former players and will coach somewhere

F.Guy Boucher-young offensive coach who could fare better second time

G.Mike Keenan-is a dinosaur who can’t change

H.Mark Messier-there goes credibility

I.Wayne Gretzky-did you watch him in the desert

J.Doug Weight-my dark horse can fix power play but is Isles assistant

As you can tell, I’m less than enthused with this long list. If you base it on Lundqvist’s post-commentary that threw Tortorella under the bus a year removed from a Conference Final, they’ll probably go for experience. Considering that a good portion of the team is younger, I’d rather hire Eakins. Can a guy who’s never been an NHL head man before lead the Rangers to the promised land? Before we debate that, the roster must be upgraded. As currently constituted, they’re not in the class of Boston, Pittsburgh, Chicago or Los Angeles. It’ll only get harder when Detroit joins the East.

What if Bylsma and Tortorella trade places? What will the first meeting between Tort and Sid be like? To be a fly on the wall. For now, it’s all speculation. Enjoy what’s left of the playoffs because the Draft doesn’t even include us. Basically.