With Craig Conroy now installed as general manager, the Calgary Flames are onto their next big to-do list item: replacing outgoing head coach Darryl Sutter. Per a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, former New York Rangers bench boss Gerald Gallant will be part of the interview process.
The 59-year-old Gallant has amassed a pretty hefty coaching resume since leaving his playing days behind during the 1995-96 season:
- Head coach with the Rangers (2021-23), Vegas Golden Knights (2017-20), Florida Panthers (2014-17) and Columbus Blue Jackets (2003-07)
- Assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens (2012-14), New York Islanders (2007-09) and Blue Jackets (2000-04)
- Head coach with the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs (2009-12)
As a bench boss, Gallant’s been awarded the coach of the year award in the NHL and the QMJHL (twice), and he’s led team to appearances in the Stanley Cup Final (2018) and two Memorial Cups (2011, 2021). He’s also been fired mid-season in three of his four NHL coaching stops. During his time in Saint John and Florida, he coached current Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau for parts of six seasons.
Simply put: Gallant is a really, really good coach who has shown the ability to get the most out of his teams. But he’s also developed a reputation as a guy with a relatively short shelf life, given how his four previous NHL tenures as a head coach have ended.
We’ll have more on the Flames’ coaching search as it continues to unfold.
