Gerard Gallant: “I’m waiting for the next opportunity and I hope it comes soon”

gerard gallant
Sep 16, 2018; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant talks to reporters following an exhibition game between the Golden Knights and the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Winning World Championship Gold has already elevated Gerard Gallant’s profile even higher than it was before he went over to Latvia. Now, fresh off the heels of winning the tournament expectations are that several other teams will be lining up either an initial or second interview as soon as he returns.

There’s already rampant speculation that second interviews are lined up with the Kraken, Blue Jackets, and Rangers. The Sabres are also expected to line up Gallant for an interview this week.

Gerard Gallant hoping next opportunity comes soon

gerard gallant
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

After winning Gold, Gallant was also asked what he would remember the most about the tournament. “Just the guys – they never quit,” he replied. “When we were 0-3 we talked about we know what we have to do to…It’s going to be good for everyone’s careers, we are the youngest team here. I’m real proud of this group and it’s been a lot of fun.”

Roberto Luongo is Team Canada’s GM and heaped praise on Gallant, calling him a player’s coach. The consensus from those who know him well is that he gets his team to commit and then play hard for him. This is why he’s at the top of every team’s list with a vacant coaching job.

“I’m waiting for the next opportunity and I hope it comes soon,” Gallant said via The Athletic. “Not sure what’s it going to be. I’m having conversations with some teams and hopefully something happens.’’

That opportunity is expected to come some time this month. The NHL Draft is still a long ways away on July 23rd and 24th. Teams usually prefer to have a coach in place by that time, although one team executive told me it isn’t as necessary in hockey as it is in football.

Still, Gallant is being aggressively pursued by many teams and it would be wise to get this one done before the best free agent coach is off the market.

NHL Rumors

The Sabres are taking offer on Jack Eichel and others. Read more.

https://www.thedailygoalhorn.com/nhl-rumors-sabres-fielding-trade-offers-for-jack-eichel-and-others-and-gerard-gallant-hot-commodity/
Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL ... More about Anthony Scultore
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