New York Rangers Fire Peter Laviolette & Phil Housley

Changes in the Big Apple have begun. The New York Rangers announced on Saturday, the team has fired both head coach Peter Laviolette, and associate coach Phil Housley.

The Rangers went 39-36-7 on the season, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs by six points. It was a drama-filled season for the blue shirts, and GM Chris Drury had to step in and continue to make changes to the organization. Drury released a statement on the news:

Full statement from Chris Drury on firing Peter Laviolette and Phil Housley: https://t.co/RD8t6yhcXl pic.twitter.com/N5MJS6Kyog

— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) April 19, 2025

There's several coaching vacancies on the table now heading into the offseason, with the Rangers joining the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, and Philadelphia Flyers. 

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reports that both Michael Peca and Dan Muse will get a shot at interviewing to come back to the coaching staff, but don't be surprised if Drury overhauls the entire bench.

#NYR have fired coach Peter Laviolette and associate coach Phil Housley.

Michael Peca and Dan Muse will have the opportunity to interview to remain on the coaching staff, but search will be “wide ranging.”

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 19, 2025

Laviolette had one year left on his contract, and will surely be picked up by another hockey club this summer, that's if he's interested in jumping right back behind an NHL bench. The Rangers have a number of roster decisions to make this offseason, as both Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere are considered prime trade candidates to be moved this summer.  

Photo credit: Bob Uttish, Imagn Images