Gerard Gallant wins World Championship with Canada, is Rangers job next?

Anthony Scultore Updated: Jun 6, 2021

Gerard Gallant steered the youngest team to Gold at the the World Championships in Latvia. Nick Paul scored the golden goal to give Canada a 3-2 win over Finland to close tournament. What makes this even more impressive is they started 0-3 out of the gate but clawed back in it and ultimately took the title.

Gerard Gallant wins Gold

Team Canada’s comeback coincided with Andrew Mangiapane joining during the preliminary round. Against Norway, he scored the game winning goal in his first game. However, they still needed help to get into the medal round. When Germany knocked off Latvia in regulation, that kept the host nation from taking Canada out of the 4th seed.

“I’m so proud of those guys, they never quit and like you said it was a tough, tough start,” Gallant said with the Gold Medal around his neck. “[Mangiapane] was the difference maker there’s no doubt about that.”

Gallant was also asked about 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.”

gallant rangers — Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Gerard Gallant top coach available

The 57 year-old Gallant is on many NHL teams’ short list of candidates. Gallant interviewed for the Rangers position prior to leaving for Latvia. Pierre LeBrun remarked that interview went very well. “I’m told he left a favorable impression on the Rangers’ brass,” he remarked.

LeBrun also confirmed that Gallant spoke with the Blue Jackets and Kraken. “It’s believed he talked to Seattle in April 2020 but I don’t think the Kraken have circled back. Everywhere he goes, players go through a wall for him.”

I recently spoke to Neil Glasberg who represents Gallant. A client whom he feels blessed to represent. “He’s got game in him, and he’s a fantastic coach,” he exclaimed. “Gallant would be great in multiple organizations. He’s the best of the unemployed experienced coaches out there.”

Winning World Championship Gold is only going to elevate Gallant’s profile even higher among NHL teams looking for a head coach. The expectation is that several other teams will be lining up either an initial or second interview as soon as he returns.

Based on LeBrun’s insights and what I’ve been able to gather, second interview (if one has not already taken place by phone) is at least the very next step. It also sounds like Chris Drury will strike soon and hire Gallant possibly as early as next week.