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Former New York Rangers Head Coach Expected to Join KHL Team in Stunning Career Move

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 11:43 AM ET

Gerard Gallant has failed to land a role in the NHL since departing the New York Rangers, and now the veteran Head Coach is reportedly headed to Russia.

Between 2021 and 2023, Gerard Gallant was behind the bench for the New York Rangers, with the team experiencing great success in his short time with the Rangers, but unfortunately, he was moved on after the team failed to capture the Stanley Cup.

Despite having an overall coaching career record of 369-262-70 with Columbus, Florida, Vegas and eventually New York, he's failed to land a Head Coaching role in the NHL since his departure from the Rangers, and now, he's made a stunning decision for his career.

According to reports from Pierre LeBrun, the 61-year old will make an official announcement this week that he is headed to Russia to coach in the KHL as he looks to revive his career behind the bench.

As LeBrun notes, there will be an official announcement this week, meaning we don't yet have details on a contract or even which team Gallant will be joining, but with no roles appearing in the National Hockey League, perhaps this is the move that will spark Gallant's coaching career as he looks to find his next big role in the league.

This is a move that we've seen pay off for players before, as they head to the KHL and use their immense success to push for a return to the NHL, and now, we'll wait and see if it works for a Head Coach too.

Ultimately, Gallant is highly talented and skilled in his role as a Head Coach, and if he wasn't getting interest in the NHL as teams look to get younger behind the bench, this role makes perfect sense, but with experience and success in the NHL behind him, don't be shocked to see Gallant have immense success overseas too.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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