New York Rangers Coaching Staff Shake-Up: Dan Muse’s Future Uncertain, Assistant Roles in Flux
As the spotlight remains on the New York Rangers’ offseason roster decisions, the team also faces significant changes behind the bench. With Mike Sullivan already joining the coaching staff, the Rangers still need to fill multiple assistant coaching positions – and more changes could be coming.
Assistant Coaches Departing
The Rangers have already lost two key assistants:
Michael Peca has taken a position with the Chicago Blackhawks
Phil Housley was recently fired
This leaves at least two vacancies – and possibly three, depending on the future of Dan Muse.
Dan Muse Linked to Pittsburgh Head Coach Opening
According to Larry Brooks, Dan Muse may be in line for the Pittsburgh Penguins head coaching job, a move that would further thin out the Rangers’ coaching bench. If Muse accepts the role, all three of the Rangers’ assistant coach positions would need to be replaced this offseason.
David Quinn and Joe Sacco Under Consideration
Arthur Staple reports that, regardless of Muse’s final decision, David Quinn is being considered for a coaching role with the Rangers. However, Quinn — who formerly served as the team’s head coach – is also a candidate for the Penguins’ top job, alongside Muse.
Another name in the mix is Joe Sacco, currently with the Boston Bruins, who is reportedly under consideration for a position with the Rangers.
Outlook for the Rangers’ Coaching Staff
A return for David Quinn as an assistant seems unlikely, given that a significant portion of the roster remains from his previous tenure as head coach. Ideally, the Rangers would prefer Muse to stay and Quinn to land the Pittsburgh job. There’s also concern over the potential loss of rising coaching talent like Kris Knoblauch, adding further pressure to make smart hires during this offseason reshuffle.
