Former NHL Coach Gerard Gallant Expected to Join KHL in Russia

Gerard Gallant, a veteran NHL coach with 11 seasons of experience and a career record of 369-262-4-70, has accepted a coaching position in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Gallant, 61, most recently coached the New York Rangers from 2021 to 2023, leading them to the Eastern Conference final in his first season and posting strong regular-season records before being fired after a first-round playoff exit in 2023. Prior to the Rangers, he coached the Vegas Golden Knights, guiding the expansion team to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final and earning the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year. He has also held head coaching roles with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers. Gallant had been unable to find a suitable NHL coaching job after his Rangers tenure and reportedly declined assistant roles, opting to move overseas. This move continues a trend of Canadian coaches, especially those with roots in the QMJHL, joining the KHL, with an official announcement on his new team expected soon.