It stems from New York's decision after last season to waive forward Barclay Goodrow when he still had three years remaining on his contract, followed by the strong attempt to convince former captain Jacob Trouba to waive his modified no-trade clause so he could be moved before July 1.

The Rangers say that poor play, exacerbated by outside noise, led to Peter Laviolette being fired in a disappointing season.

Todd Nelson has won five different minor league championships as head coach in the last two decades. That includes back-to-back titles for the Washington Capitals' AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, the past two seasons. He also aided the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020 as an assistant who heavily guided team tactics.