from Andrew Gross of The Record,

The Rangers begin their annual organization meeting today at GM Glen Sather's La Quinta, Calif., mansion and one of the main priorities is to find a coach to replace John Tortorella, who was fired on May 29. One candidate, Dallas Eakins of the Toronto (AHL) Marlies is presumed to be no longer available because he's on the verge of getting the Edmonton Oilers' job.

ALAIN VIGNEAULT, Age: 52

Coaching résumé: Canadiens 1997-2000; Canucks 2006-13, 422-288-35-61 record, Jack Adams Award in 2007; Senators assistant 1992-96, also coached in juniors and AHL

Skinny: Known for giving his offensive players freedom to be creative and allowing them to handle their problems in the dressing room. His personality, particularly with the media, is opposite of the gruff and combative Tortorella. The Canucks finished first in their division six out of seven seasons under Vigneault and lost in Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals to the Bruins.

Odds: 3-1

read on for more coaching candidates...

In other NYR news, James Murphy is reporting Glen Sather may be stepping down as the GM...