The New York Rangers recently bid farewell to their former head coach, Gerard Gallant, following a disappointing playoff exit in 2023 despite a successful regular season under his leadership. Now, general manager Chris Drury faces the task of finding the right successor to guide the team forward, balancing the need for experience with potential young coaching talent.

One candidate under consideration is Kris Knoblauch, the current head coach of the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate. At 44 years old, Knoblauch brings valuable NHL experience, having served as an assistant head coach with the Philadelphia Flyers for two years from 2017 to 2019.

Pros of hiring Knoblauch include his familiarity with the Rangers organization and its young core, his track record of developing talent, and his success in leading the Hartford Wolf Pack to the Atlantic Division Finals in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Additionally, his strong relationship with Chris Drury could facilitate a smooth transition.

However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Knoblauch lacks playoff experience as a head coach, and there are more seasoned candidates available on the market. Furthermore, there’s uncertainty about whether veteran players would fully buy into his coaching style, and he may require an adjustment period to adapt to the NHL level.

Ultimately, the decision on Knoblauch’s suitability will hinge on whether the Rangers’ front office believes in his coaching philosophy and his ability to quickly earn the trust of the team’s locker room. While his experience with younger players and success in the AHL playoffs are positive indicators, his lack of NHL head coaching experience and the expectations of veteran players pose significant challenges that need to be addressed.