5 potential Rangers coaching candidates following Peter Laviolette's dismissal

Mike Sullivan

It’s a long shot, given that Sullivan currently is the coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. But if that were to change, Rangers general manager Chris Drury would love to have Sullivan, a former Rangers assistant, back behind the bench. Sullivan said Friday that he wants to stay with the Penguins, but Pittsburgh has missed the playoffs three straight seasons and seems to be a team in decline, so never say never.

John Tortorella

He definitely is available, having been fired by the Flyers late in the season. The fiery Tortorella coached the Rangers from 2008-13 and coached Drury with the Rangers. He’d make things uncomfortable for some guys who might be too comfortable right now.

Joel Quenneville

This would be dicey, given Quenneville’s role in the cover-up of the Kyle Beach sexual assault story during Chicago’s run to the Stanley Cup in 2010. But Quenneville’s suspension from the NHL for that is over, and his 969 career wins are second in NHL history. He won three Stanley Cups behind the bench with Chicago.

Rick Tocchet

His contract with the Vancouver Canucks is up, but the team has an option for next year. Tocchet said Friday that he wants to return, but it’s not up to him. If Vancouver decides to let him walk, the Flyers, for whom Tocchet played 10 of his 19 NHL seasons, would be first in line to hire him. But if he does become available, the Rangers might be interested, too.

Michael Peca

Hiring a rookie head coach seems unlikely for Drury, but he did say Saturday that he wouldn’t rule it out. A source said Peca and fellow assistant Dan Muse will get a chance to interview and stay on the staff. So if Peca interviews well, maybe that could elevate him.

By Colin Stephenson

colin.stephenson@newsday.comColinSNewsday

Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.