Rangers hire Jay Leach as AHL Hartford coach three years after asking permission to interview him for NHL job

Article excerpt

The New York Rangers named Jay Leach head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, three years after requesting permission to interview him for their NHL head coaching position. Leach, who has prior coaching experience in professional hockey, takes over the Hartford squad after the Rangers' previous search process stalled. The hire represents a significant role for Leach in the Rangers organization, though it comes at the minor-league level rather than the NHL job he was previously considered for. The Rangers appear to be turning to Leach to develop talent for the parent club while maintaining organizational consistency.