Yesterday, the Rangers introduced new coach Peter Laviolette at a press conference. The former Ranger became the 39th coach in franchise history.

Although he didn’t play more than a dozen games in the NHL, Laviolette was a defenseman who was a Ranger in 1988-89. A former USA Olympian who played in the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary, he spent parts of three seasons playing in the minors. That included two for former AHL affiliate Binghamton.

Eventually, Laviolette wound up playing for the Providence Bruins. He lasted four years. Following 1996-97, he made the transition behind the bench. After starting with the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL, he coached Providence for two consecutive years. That included capturing the Calder Cup in 1998-99. He would join the Bruins as an assistant in 2000-01.

Since then, Laviolette has been a fixture as an NHL coach. He’s been successful everywhere. Highlighted by winning the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2005-06, he’s coached three different teams to the Stanley Cup Finals. He made history by guiding the Flyers back from a 0-3 series deficit to stun the Bruins in 2010. A team that squeaked into the playoffs by edging the Rangers in a shootout, the Flyers went all the way to the Finals before losing to the Blackhawks in six on Patrick Kane’s overtime winner.

Having also coached the Predators to their only trip to the Finals in 2017, where they lost to the Penguins, Laviolette’s last stop was with the Capitals. They reached the postseason twice and lost in the first round. Hindered by injuries last season, they missed the playoffs. The Caps decided to move in a different direction by hiring former Leafs assistant Spencer Carberry.

Now, the Rangers become the sixth stop for Laviolette. Astonishingly, he’s up to five teams in the Metropolitan Division. He previously coached the Islanders, Hurricanes, Flyers, and Capitals. However, it should be noted that when he took the Canes to their only Cup, they played in the Southeast Division. A time when the Atlanta Thrashers still existed.

Now, it’s all about turning the Rangers into winners. Something Laviolette is focused on doing. They went from within two games of reaching the Finals to losing in disappointing fashion to the archival Devils in a mystifying first round. They were uncompetitive in the deciding seventh game. A blowout between Chris Drury and Gerard Gallant during that series hinted that a change was coming. Once they lost, it was obvious to everyone except blind squirrels.

The real disappointment surrounding the ’22-23 Rangers’ was how inconsistent they were. Despite posting over 100 points for a second straight season under Gallant, there were too many nights where you didn’t know which team you’d get. Even shift to shift, it was unpredictable. The lack of consistency defensively, along with little sustained forecheck, were ominous signs that something was wrong. Even after convincingly taking the first two games against the younger Devils, the Rangers took their foot off the gas pedal.

There were too many key players who came up small. That was highlighted by Artemi Panarin, who never put up a single goal in seven games. His only points came in Game 1 when he posted two assists. It’s no secret that his relationship with Gallant wasn’t on good terms. He didn’t agree with Turk’s philosophy. However, if he thought Gallant was tough for emphasizing more of a North/South style over East/West, wait until he gets a load of Laviolette. Not afraid to discipline players for poor play, Laviolette is tougher and more demanding. It should be interesting to see how the players respond to Laviolette. The leadership that features Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Jacob Trouba, Adam Fox, and Ryan Lindgren will be tested.

Laviolette was hired to get the most out of a roster that also includes underachieving former first round picks Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere. Both set new personal bests in points. However, they have yet to reach their full potential. Even though they haven’t exactly been given enough power play time, which was something Kakko mentioned at last month’s breakup day that might’ve sealed Gallant’s fate, it’s up to both players to earn that trust. Laviolette indicated that he wants to give them more defined roles. We’ll see if they’re ready.

“Those young players do need an opportunity to grow. They have to be – not given – but they have to be given the opportunity to be counted on more… You certainly would like to see them take the next step. More minutes, maybe a little higher up in lineup, maybe more power play time. There has to be opportunity. These conversations will take place… These opportunities will be there for them to grab that ice time and to push.”

In terms of what Laviolette expects, he wants to see the Rangers play a solid fundamental game. Forechecking and compete level are two terms he emphasized at Tuesday’s press conference.

It’s no secret that last year’s group lacked the necessary grit to go far. That showed up in the first round. They went from a favorable 2-0 position with the next two at MSG to blowing the series. There was little in either Games 5 or 7. Those big games were about as exciting as watching cricket. Unless you rooted for the other side, there was no excitement. Nothing.

Laviolette’s message to the team is simple. It’s time to get going.

“Let’s go to work. Let’s get working. I think we have really good pieces in place. But to me, it’s about that work ethic that drives teams.

The compete inside the game is what makes teams great. It drives them to success. I don’t think that’s something you can just ask for. I think you have to practice that on a daily basis. It has to become habit. It has to become your identity… Part of the DNA of who you are. And it has to start in training camp. It has to be held to a level of accountability. When you have that and you have the skill, that’s how teams push on and they compete for Stanley Cups, win Stanley Cups and become really good hockey teams.”

It’s going to be different from Gallant. He was more hands-off. He let the players play and wasn’t as hands-on. Laviolette is a sharp contrast. It’s like going from Tom Renney to John Tortorella. Renney was a player’s coach. Tortorella was the tough cop who called things out. He’d bench players. Look for similarities with Laviolette. He runs a tight ship.

As far as who is on his staff, the Rangers announced the hiring of Michael Peca as an assistant on Laviolette’s staff. He was an assistant coach for Rochester in the AHL. He helped develop players for the Sabres. The former Sabre and Islander who played for Laviolette should be a good addition to the bench. For more on Peca, please refer to Stan Fischler’s piece in The Hockey News. Speaking of people who deserve to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. If Alexander Mogilny isn’t elected today, it’ll be a crime.

As we know, goalie coach Benoit Allaire remains with the organization. He’s been a mainstay since the early days of Henrik Lundqvist. A former Ranger certain to be a first ballot Hall Of Famer. Now, he’s on TNT and MSG as a superb analyst. It’s pretty astonishing.

Laviolette indicated that he wanted to get in touch with Adam Fox, along with other veteran leaders. A smart idea that way he can get to know his players. They’re a good group. A new voice is needed. Hopefully, Laviolette can deliver in the Big Apple. Expectations remain high.

I’m most curious to see how much input he’ll have in who the Rangers add this off-season. Obviously, a good part of the $11.7 million will go to key restricted free agents Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller. There could be a tough decision on Barclay Goodrow due to his salary ($3.64 million thru 2027). He’s got a moderated no-trade clause. Perhaps Laviolette might decide to keep him. Goodrow fits the profile of a checking player who plays with grit. Gallant liked him. It became too much about the stars once Patrick Kane was added to Vladimir Tarasenko.

If they were to hang onto Goodrow, I’d like to see Laviolette try him on a third line with Vincent Trocheck. The Rangers desperately need a checking line that can match up against opponents’ top scoring lines. If Tyler Motte re-signed, that could be a possibility. Or they could go for a similar type of player that Laviolette’s familiar with, such as Garnet Hathaway. He coached him in Washington.

Before July comes the 2023 NHL Draft. It’s on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Obviously, Connor Bedard is the big draw. We know he’s destined for the Blackhawks. Then, we’ll see if there’s any movement within the top 5. Possibly the Canadiens (5) or Flyers (7, 22). Matvei Michkov is still second on most lists over Hobey Baker winner Adam Fantilli. It depends on which team is willing to grab the gifted Russian who’s committed to the KHL. He put up nine goals and 20 points in 27 games for Sochi HC.

There will also be some players on the move. The biggest could come from the same team. With the Winnipeg Jets at a crossroads, Connor Hellebuyck wants out. The 30-year-old netminder has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $6.2 million. He would like to be traded and sign an extension that could reach in excess of $9 million. The Devils have had discussions per Pierre LeBrun. Personally, I wouldn’t do it. He’s 30. If you sign Hellebuyck long-term, you better in the Stanley Cup Finals in Years 1-3. It’s all downhill after that.

Pierre-Luc Dubois is also expected to get moved. He wants to go to a contender. However, it has to be a city he likes. Montreal has always been linked to him. But the cost might prove too much. Dubois is a good player who can help a team. But he’s an RFA who is unrestricted next year. He’s hoping for a team that’ll commit to him long-term.

The Jets are also in discussions to trade captain Blake Wheeler. Owed $8.25 million in his final year, he has a moderated no-trade clause. If there are any takers, then the Jets can avoid a buyout. They’re also likely to trade Mark Scheifele during next season. The high-scoring forward enters his last year with a cap hit of $6.125 million. He also has a moderated NTC. Winnipeg will look very different next year.

Alex DeBrincat should also be on the table. It’s hard to tell what Ottawa will do. The Blackhawks were smart for getting rid of him. They knew they would’ve run into the same problem. He’s another player a year away from unrestricted status. If he’s dealt, then it would be to a team willing to extend him.

All of this is part of the excitement that’s coming up. The July 1 free agent class is headlined by Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko. Kane is recovering from hip resurfacing surgery. It’ll be interesting to see which teams have interest in the all-time American great. Tarasenko wants one final payday. Why not. He’s certainly capable of helping a few teams. A former Stanley Cup winner who’s capable of scoring 30-plus goals, he should have a good market.

Patrice Bergeron is the most interesting free agent. Still able to be a terrific two-way center in all facets, does he want to return? He’s won a Cup and been a five-time Selke winner. Bergeron will turn 38 on July 24. Either he returns for one more year with Boston or retires. It’s 50/50. He has a family and has played through some tough injuries. Whatever he decides, Bergeron will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He’s one of the greatest two-way players to ever play the game.

Other key free agents who could do well following strong postseason showings are Ivan Barbashev and Max Domi. Each proved worthy of good contracts. Jesper Fast is another player who did well. Will he leave Carolina where they gave him a bigger role? Tyler Bertuzzi definitely proved his worth even in the upset loss to Florida.

You’ll also see a goalie carousel. Perhaps Boston looks to trade Linus Ullmark, giving the keys to Jeremy Swayman. Vegas hero Adin Hill is available. So are Frederik Andersen and Tristan Jarry. Plus, serviceable veterans like Antti Raanta, Cam Talbot, and Martin Jones. Will the Rangers bring back Jaroslav Halak?

They recently re-signed Zac Jones for two years. I’ve been a backer of Jones for a while. I think he’s got the skating and offensive game to become part of the defense. He’ll have to prove himself under Laviolette. He doesn’t have much more to do in Hartford. It’s time to find out. Gallant preferred more experience, which is why Ben Harpur got a chance to play with Braden Schneider prior to Niko Mikkola, who will likely depart as a free agent.

We’ll see what happens. If there’s anything new, I’ll post it. The draft should be fun to follow. It promises to have some sizzle.