NHL: Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers
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Make it a clean sweep of coaches fired at Madison Square Garden this spring. First, Peter Laviolette was canned by the New York Rangers after one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. Then it was Tom Thibodeau, fired Tuesday just days after the New York Knicks were eliminated from the NBA playoffs in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final, their best run since 1999.
Polar opposite seasons for these two veteran coaches, who each head out the Garden door with a conference final appearance under his belt (Laviolette’s Rangers lost in six games in the 2024 ECF) and still owed plenty of money. In fact, James Dolan owes Thibodeau a reported $30 million for a contract extension that was set to kick in next season.
That, my friends, was a freaking expensive decision Knicks general manager Leon Rose — with Dolan’s blessing — made.
But money is rarely a deciding factor when it comes to firing coaches at The Garden. So, the message to Mike Sullivan is don’t get too comfortable in your new gig with the Rangers, no matter how much GM Chris Drury loves you and has wanted you to coach this team since he was hired four years ago.
Speaking of hellos and goodbyes, and keeping it somewhat MSG related, just want to wish former Rangers forward Jesper Fast all the best after he officially retired from the NHL on Monday. Fast hadn’t played since sustaining a serious neck injury that required surgery in April 2024, and here’s hoping there are no remaining issues for him physically moving forward.
“Quickie” was not only an important under-the-radar player for the Rangers as a middle-six forward, he was a really good dude, fun to be around, with a quiet and subtle sense of humor. I enjoyed getting to know Fast and see him grow on and off the ice into a respected team leader — five times he won the Rangers players player award — who went on to do good things withe the Carolina Hurricanes after his stint on Broadway.
New York Rangers news
NHL: Calgary Flames at New York Rangers
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Don Lagreca believes “Rangers will be better off when this becomes J.T. Miller’s team” and to cement that, he suggested a blockbuster offseason move.
Breaking down why the Rangers should explore moving Vincent Trocheck to the third line to lengthen the lineup and best exploit their advantage over other teams at the center position.
Tom Castro explores five different trade options for the Rangers if they wish to toughen up their defense corps.
Our Eric Charles continues to take a look at draft prospects the Rangers should consider with the No. 12 overall pick this year. His latest article focuses on a pair of teammates from Sweden: Anton Frondell and Victor Eklund.
NHL news and rumors
NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Media Day
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Sportsnaut: Here’s a detailed preview and breakdown of the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, including predictions from members of our staff.
Sportsnaut: Connor McDavid is “on a mission” to win his first Stanley Cup championship with the Oilers.
Sportsnaut: Breaking down why McDavid is the favorite, though not the only contender, to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP this postseason.
Sportsnaut: The Panthers are looking to cement their legacy with consecutive Stanley Cup championships.
Daily Faceoff: The Oilers say that injured forward Connor Brown is a game-time decision for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday.
TSN: No matter the outcome of the Cup Final, ageless Oilers forward Corey Perry said he will return for his 21st NHL season in 2025-26.
ESPN: Yanni Gourde will not reach unrestricted free agency July 1. He signed a six-year, $14 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Daily Faceoff: The Philadelphia Flyers re-signed forward Noah Cates to a four-year, $16 million contract.
TSN: The Vancouver Canucks re-signed defenseman Derk Forbort to a one-year, $2 million contract.
Yahoo Sports: There are some major players left unprotected in the PWHL expansion draft, which will take place Wednesday to begin filling rosters for the new franchises in Vancouver and Seattle.
The Athletic ($$): The PWHL players association voted to publicly disclose player salaries.
Jim Cerny is Executive Editor at Forever Blueshirts and Managing Editor at Sportsnaut, with more than 30 years of ... More about Jim Cerny
Mentioned in this article: Connor McDavid J.T. Miller Vincent Trocheck More About:New York Rangers News