Former Rangers Coach, 61, Finds New Job — But It’s Not in the NHL originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After more than a year on the NHL coaching carousel without landing a new opportunity, former New York Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant is making a surprising pivot.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the 61-year-old coach is heading to Russia to take on a role in the KHL.
“Gerard Gallant is headed to Russia to coach in the KHL,” LeBrun posted on X. “Should be an announcement this week.”
The destination team and specifics of his position remain unclear, but the move itself marks a big shift for a coach who led four NHL franchises — the Rangers, Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Vegas Golden Knights — over a span of 11 seasons.
Gerard Gallant is headed to Russia to coach in the KHL. Should be an announcement this week.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 17, 2025
Gallant leaves the NHL having compiled a 369-262-70 record.
His most recent stint came with the Rangers from 2021 to 2023. In his first year in New York, Gallant guided the Blueshirts to a 52-24-6 record and a run to the Eastern Conference finals.
A first-round exit at the hands of the New Jersey Devils in 2023, however, cut short his time on Broadway.
After parting ways with Gallant, the Rangers hired Peter Laviolette, who was subsequently fired at the end of last season. They now look to former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan to stabilize the bench.
Gallant is heading in a very different direction, possibly looking to rebuild his cachet before making a return to the NHL.
The KHL move hasn’t been formally confirmed by the league or Gallant himself.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.