Report: Rangers to hire Vigneault as coach

The New York Rangers hired Alain Vigneault as their new head coach, ESPNNewYork.com reported Saturday.

Vigneault was also a candidate for the Dallas Stars job, but removed his name from consideration before taking the Rangers job.

The Rangers declined to comment.

Vigneault was fired by the Vancouver Canucks after getting eliminated from the Western Conference playoffs by the San Jose Sharks.

The job opened up when the Rangers parted with John Tortorella following their second round defeat.

Vigneault beat out former Rangers star Mark Messier for the job.