Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton explained his decision Monday for firing coach Alain Vigneault two days earlier, saying it was time for a new voice in the organization.
"I think it's more general change," Gorton told reporters at the team's practice facility in Greenburgh. "Listen, AV, he's been a terrific coach in the league. He's been a really good coach for the Rangers. He was here for five years. We've had success. AV will continue to be successful. You don't coach a thousand games in this league unless you're a good coach. I just think that after five years, we think it's time for change and the players need a new voice, and the organization needs a new coach as we go forward with our group."
Vigneault was fired Saturday after five seasons behind the Rangers' bench. He went 226-147-37 and led the Blueshirts to the playoffs four times, including to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.
But this past season, the Rangers went 34-39-9, finishing in last place in the Metropolitan Division. After struggling in the early months of the season, the franchise chose to trade away veterans Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller, Rich Nash Michael Grabner and Nick Holden for a host of prospects and draft picks.
MORE: Hartnett: Alain Vigneault's Biggest Sin? A Resistance To Change
Gorton said assistant coaches Scott Arniel and Darryl Williams were also let go over the weekend. The GM said he still needs to speak to assistant Lindy Ruff about his future. When asked if Ruff, a former Dallas Stars and Buffalo Sabres head coach, might be a candidate to replace Vigneault, Gorton said he wanted to speak with him before making that determination.
The Rangers GM said he plans to speak to five to 10 "highly qualified" candidates about the job. Gorton said he has some names in mind but is still compiling his list.
"Where that person comes from, we'll look anywhere, whether it's AHL, NHL, wherever we can find the best possible coach going forward," he said, adding he's open to hiring someone with a "fresh" perspective.