After a 16-win decrease from last season and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021-22, the New York Rangers are making a change at head coach.

"Today I informed Peter Laviolette and (associated head coach) Phil Housley that we’re making a coaching change. I want to thank them both and wish them and their families all the best going forward. Peter is first class all the way, both professionally and personally, and I am truly grateful for his passion and dedication to the Rangers in his time as head coach."

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Laviolette was hired by the Rangers in June 2023 after Gerard Gallant was fired following a first-round playoff loss to the New Jersey Devils.

The Rangers responded well to the change in head coach. They won the Presidents' Trophy with a franchise-record 114 points in 2023-24. It was their first time finishing with the league's best record since the 2014-15 season.

After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, the Rangers' dream season came to an end in six games to the Florida Panthers.

This season was a huge step back for the organization due in part to significant declines from several key players. Artemi Panarin, who finished fourth in points during the 2023-24 season (120), had 89 in 80 games. Vincent Trochek's point total dropped from 77 to 59.

The Rangers finished 39-36-7 and 89 points. It was their fewest wins and points in an 82-game season since the 2018-19 season.

Even though Laviolette's dismissal is justifiable from a performance standpoint, it does add to the ongoing instability for the Rangers. The next coach will be their fourth different one since the 2020-21 season.