Gallant, Rangers part ways

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Former Saint John Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant and the New York Rangers have mutually agreed to part ways, the club announced Saturday.

From the news release:

"I want to first thank Gerard for his work and commitment to the Rangers during his time as head coach," said Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury. "I have a ton of respect for Gerard as both a coach and person and truly appreciate everything he did for us on and off the ice these last two seasons. After my evaluation of the season and discussions with Gerard, we mutually came to the conclusion that a change would be beneficial for both parties. I wish he and his family all the best in the future. Our search for a new head coach will begin right away."

"I would like to thank Mr. Dolan, Chris and the Rangers organization for giving me the opportunity to be their head coach these last two seasons," said Gallant. "The experience of coaching an Original Six franchise with such rich history and an incredibly passionate fanbase is something I will never forget. After conversations with my family and Chris, it became clear that this was the right decision for both myself and the Rangers at this time."

The move doesn't come as a surprise given the Rangers' disappointing first round loss to the much younger and less experienced New Jersey Devils.

Gallant, 59, spent two years behind the Rangers bench. Prior to that he was the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for parts of three seasons after leading the Florida Panthers for parts of three seasons as well. He was an assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens for two years following his departure from the Sea Dogs in 2012.

Former Sea Dogs coaches Mike Kelly and Jim Midgley (pictured above) were assistants with Gallant in New York. Kelly was part of Gallant's staff in Florida and Vegas as well.

There are now five coaching vacancies in the NHL: New York (Rangers), Anaheim, Calgary, Columbus and Washington.

Gallant landing in Calgary would certainly be intriguing given his history coaching Jonathan Huberdeau in Saint John and Calgary. Columbus would be interesting as well given that Gallant previously worked with the Blue Jackets as both an assistant and head coach in the early 2000s.

Gallant coached the Sea Dogs for three seasons from 2009-2012, leading the team to three Maritime Division championships, three QMJHL final appearances, two President Cup titles and a Memorial Cup championship. The Summerside native was named the CHL coach of the year in 2010 and 2011.