Alain Vigneault in an interview with La Presse confirmed what was widely speculated and fairly certain after the season that he would be back with the Rangers next year. Vigneault said: "first thing they said is they wanted me back next year.… While that statement doesn't reach the level of General Douglas MacArthur saying, "I shall return" or Arnold's Schwarzenegger's, "I'll be back," it does clear one of the many uncertainties that surrounded the Rangers following the season.
Vigneault clearly didn't have the best season, as the issues that existed previously became even more prominent this year. I highlighted these deficiencies in my first tear down blog (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Jan-Levine/Rangers-Post-Mortem-and-Tear-Down-Blog-Part-I/89/76608) and it's something that has been highlighted by many others. These issues also were on display and somewhat prevalent in Vancouver, which may and probably did result in his ouster from the Canucks. An example of which can be found here: http://canucksarmy.com/2013/3/11/the-pros-and-cons-of-alain-vigneault.
The return of AV is a hot button issue for many. Several believe, due to the issues noted in the blog highlighted above, that he should be removed from his role as coach since those problems showed no signs of abatement and in several cases got worse. Unlike the firing of John Tortorella after 2012-13 season, there has no been no team mutiny and broad based expression of dissatisfaction with AV. However, some of Henrik Lundqvist's comments and those of others as to the team's inability to better defend, especially in front of Hank, is an indication that there is a certain level of dissatisfaction that does exist.
While AV will be back, as I wrote previously, there is no guarantee his assistant coaches Scott Arniel and Ulf Samuelsson return. By virtue of a Cup Finals appearance in 2014 and ECF appearance in 2015, AV earned a bit of good will. However, his leash and hold on his job is most probably a bit more tenuous than it ever has been been. A really poor start or a poor finish next year could result in his dismissal. More will be known about the status of the assistants and the other personnel questions this week, as the Rangers kick off their personnel meetings in California.
I have two questions for you:
Did you want AV back? Did you think he should be back?
The first is based on your personal feeling. The second, while somewhat linked to the first, is separate because the response should be based on if he is the right man for the job rather than your personal feelings. Looking forward to the responses.