According to a source close to NY Post’s Larry Brooks, it appears the Rangers coaching search could be over. They are close to hiring Alain Vigneault. The former Canucks bench boss met with owner James Dolan and GM Glen Sather tonight. He got his start with the Canadiens before coaching Vancouver the last seven, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011. First round ousters the last two years resulted in his departure.
Vigneault is 52 and appears to be the front runner despite Mark Messier admitting to reporters he spoke to Sather about his “dream job” this week. Oddly enough, if Messier was hired Brian Leetch was interested in joining his staff. That would be a lot more intriguing than bringing in a veteran coach who failed with a better roster. However, Vigneault has the necessary experience which makes him better equipped for the job.
The Stars had strong interest in hiring him. But Vigneault shot them down due to the vacancy in the Big Apple. It looks like he wants the Rangers. Despite management having not examined every alternative, they seem content with Vigneault. If he thought the pressure to win in Vancouver was immense, wait till he arrives here. Henrik Lundqvist’s power trip basically ended Tortorella’s reign despite the franchise’s first Conference Final appearance last year since 1997. Lundqvist wants to win now. A year away from free agency, he has the Rangers by the balls. If this is what he wants, he better deliver.
If I were Vigneault I'd choose the Rangers over Dallas too. A no-brainer for both sides really though AV is definitely more Renney than Tort, but at least he won't have a goalie contreversy this year.
LikeLike