With Peter Laviolette officially out as the head coach of the New York Rangers, the search for his successor is underway. The names being tossed around include well-known figures like Mike Sullivan, John Tortorella, David Carle, and Rick Tocchet. However, one name that hasn’t been getting the attention it deserves is Jessica Campbell, a trailblazer in the hockey coaching world.
Campbell made history as the first woman to work full-time behind an NHL bench as an assistant coach. A former ice hockey player herself, Campbell had an impressive career at Cornell University, where she put up 100 points across four seasons and captained the team in her final year. Her playing resume also includes winning a Clarkson Cup in 2016 in the now-defunct CWHL and playing for Canada’s national team, earning a silver medal at the 2015 World Championships.
So, why should Campbell be considered for the Rangers’ vacant head coaching position? The answer is simple: she already has history with the franchise. In 2022, Campbell made history again by joining the Rangers’ Development Camp as a coach, becoming the first woman to serve in such a role for an Original Six franchise. This was a significant milestone in both her career and the team’s commitment to breaking down barriers in the sport.
Campbell’s connection with the Rangers runs deeper than just a brief stint at the Development Camp. In addition to her work with the Blueshirts, Campbell also joined Germany’s coaching staff for the Men’s World Championship in 2022. While some might argue that Campbell’s resume doesn’t include extensive head coaching experience in the NHL, her history with the Rangers and her growing reputation as an effective coach speak volumes.
Her journey to becoming a full-time assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken in 2024 is a testament to her dedication. Campbell became the first woman to work full-time behind an NHL bench as an assistant coach under head coach Dan Bylsma. This came after her successful tenure with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she helped improve the team’s power play. In both 2022-23 and 2023-24, Coachella Valley’s power play was ranked 14th in the AHL, an achievement that reflects Campbell’s solid coaching abilities.
What makes Campbell even more compelling is her unique coaching style. Known for her three L’s—listen, lift, and love the player—she focuses on building trust and rapport with her players. Campbell believes that the key to a successful coaching relationship is addressing the human element first. By creating mutual respect and understanding, she fosters a positive and effective team dynamic. This approach could be exactly what the Rangers need after Laviolette’s tenure, which was marked by a lack of interaction with players.
The Rangers’ decision to part ways with Laviolette came after a disappointing season in which the team failed to make the playoffs, despite winning the Presidents’ Trophy the previous year. Laviolette’s coaching style, described as more detached and less communicative, didn’t sit well with the team. In contrast, Campbell’s emphasis on player engagement and relationship-building could provide the interactive, hands-on coaching style that the Rangers are currently lacking.
Campbell’s potential to be a strong fit for the Rangers is undeniable. She not only has the skillset and coaching experience but also brings a fresh perspective to a franchise in need of change. With a new coaching approach that includes better communication and player development, Campbell could help the Rangers find their identity and regain their competitive edge.
Her personal connection to the Rangers adds an extra layer of intrigue to her candidacy. In an interview after joining the team’s Development Camp in 2022, Campbell reflected on her long-time admiration for the city and the team. “My sister said to me the other day, ‘Isn’t it so funny that it’s New York, of all teams, where it’s going to begin for you? Just because you’ve always loved that city and had a soft spot for the Rangers,'” Campbell shared. This sense of passion and dedication could be a valuable asset as she works to bring the Rangers to new heights.
With her milestone achievements, including becoming the first woman to coach at the Men’s World Championships and now the first female coach in the NHL, Campbell has certainly proven that she belongs at the highest levels of the sport. She’s earned the respect of players and coaches alike, and her track record suggests she could be the transformative leader the Rangers need.
While there are other candidates being considered for the head coaching role, Jessica Campbell’s accomplishments and approach to coaching set her apart. Given her history with the Rangers and her pioneering work in the league, it’s clear that she deserves serious consideration for an interview with Rangers’ President and General Manager Chris Drury.
In a league historically dominated by men, Campbell is shattering glass ceilings and proving that her leadership skills transcend gender. If the Rangers are looking for a coach who can create a positive, respectful environment for players, cultivate trust, and drive the team forward, Jessica Campbell is more than deserving of an interview. Her coaching philosophy could very well be the change the Rangers need to get back on track and return to playoff contention.