Mike Keenan fired by KHL team, will the Rangers come calling?

Updated:
i.jpeg

Alexander Nemenov – AFP – Getty Images

On Sunday, the Kunlun Red Star, a KHL team, announced that they have relieved coach Mike Keenan of his duties.

Although, he will remain an advisor to the Kunlun Red Star, would the Rangers consider hiring Mike Keenan as an advisor or assistant coach?

In 2015, Mike Keenan helped the Metallurg Magnitogorsk win the Gagarin Cup, the KHL championship. However, Keenan has struggled with the Red Star. Under Keenan, the Red Star have gone 12-24. Former Ranger Bobby Carpenter will take over as the Kunlun Red Star’s interim coach.

Mike Keenan is ninth overall in NHL coaching victories at 672 wins, and took the Rangers to the promised land in 1994 ending the Rangers 54 year Stanley Cup drought.

In 2014, Mike Keenan was out of a coaching job and said this in a CBS interview:

“I was out [of coaching] for about three years and doing TV, and when the opportunity to coach in Russia came along, I took some time to think about it and then decided to do it. They want me back, and at this point that’s the only option I have.”

“I’m too old to be sitting here worrying about if I’m going to get a chance to coach in the NHL again. I did not take the job in the KHL as a vehicle to get me back to the NHL. I know I can coach in the NHL, but there is no interest.”

Mike Keenan’s last coaching stint in the NHL was in the 2008-09 season with the Calgary Flames, where he helped the Flames to a 40-30-6 record.

Keenan was known for his fiery and motivational style. He would bring an element to the Rangers that they haven’t had since John Tortorella, even if he is only an advisor.

Will Mike Keenan look to make an NHL return? If so, will the Rangers look to hire him?

By Noah Weiss

I am a New York Rangers journalist, avid Blueshirt fan, and a long-time hockey player born and raised in... More about Noah Weiss

Mentioned in this article:

More About: