Rangers Hire Ex-Bruins Coach For AHL Squad

June 8, 2026 - 04:01

The New York Rangers have added a familiar face to their coaching pipeline, hiring Jay Leach as the new head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate. Leach, who spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins, was let go by the Bruins earlier this offseason. His primary responsibility in Boston was overseeing the team's defensive corps, a role that saw him work closely with a veteran blue line.

Leach brings a significant amount of minor league head coaching experience to the Rangers organization. Before his stint in Boston, he served as the head coach of the AHL's Providence Bruins for four seasons, where he compiled a strong record and developed several players who eventually made the jump to the NHL. His familiarity with the AHL landscape and his track record of player development made him an attractive candidate for New York.

The Rangers are looking to build a stronger developmental system, and Leach's hiring is a clear step in that direction. He will be tasked with molding the team's young prospects, particularly on defense, and instilling a structured system that mirrors what the NHL club wants to play. The move also reunites Leach with Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette, as the two previously worked together on the coaching staff of the Nashville Predators. Leach is expected to bring a demanding but communicative style to the AHL bench, aiming to prepare players for the speed and pressure of the NHL.