Peter Laviolette Claims That New York Is ‘Where I Want To Be’ Despite Being On The Hot Seat

   

With the New York Rangers’ season officially over, it’s now time to see if Peter Laviolette will be fired in the coming days. 

Laviolette hasn't been relieved of his duties just yet, but the word around the street is that he won’t be behind the Rangers’ bench next year. 

Since getting eliminated from playoff contention last week, Laviolette has begun fielding questions about what’s in store for his future and if he thinks about his job security. 

He was asked once again after the team’s season finale on Thursday night and made clear exactly where he wants to be.

“Those are things I can't control... The year certainly wasn't where it needed to be,” Laviolette said. “But right now, I’m here, and this is where I want to be.”

Laviolette admitted that this season has been both emotionally and mentally draining due to the constant team struggles. 

“I think for everybody,” Laviolette said about if this has been a hard season from an emotional and mental standpoint. “For players, for staff, for coaches, organization, fans, it’s everybody. It was a lot of ups and downs, too many downs. I think that takes an emotional toll, sure.”

The 60-year-old coach still has one year remaining on his contract with the Rangers. Laviolette led the Blueshirts to win the Presidents’ Trophy during the 2023-24 campaign, his first season in New York. 

Just one year later, the Rangers missed the playoffs and Laviolette is now staring down the reality of possibly looking for a new job.