The New York Rangers are losing a legend behind the bench. Benoit Allaire, the man known throughout the NHL as the ultimate "goalie whisperer," has officially announced his retirement after 22 unforgettable seasons with the Blueshirts.
Allaire, 62, will step away following the NHL Draft in late June and free agency in early July, according to The Athletic. His departure marks the end of an era for a franchise that has consistently produced elite goaltending under his watch.
Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury summed it up perfectly: "Benoit Allaire's contributions to the Rangers over the past two decades have been immeasurable. Whether it was teaching a Hall of Famer or a rookie just starting his career, Benny made everyone he worked with better."
Allaire's journey began with the Montreal Canadiens in 1996-97, followed by a stint with the Phoenix Coyotes before he joined the Rangers in July 2004. Over the years, he earned a reputation as one of the finest goalie gurus in the NHL, a master of technique, positioning, and mental toughness.
His greatest success story? Henrik Lundqvist. The seventh-round draft pick worked closely with Allaire for all 15 years of his legendary Hall of Fame career. "The King" often called Allaire the best goalie coach in the league and gave him a special shout-out during his Hockey Hall of Fame induction speech.
But Allaire's magic didn't stop there. He also mentored Igor Shesterkin, who burst onto the scene in 2019-20 and won the Vezina Trophy in 2022 with an eye-popping 2.07 goals-against average and .935 save percentage. Under Allaire's guidance, Shesterkin has become one of the NHL's elite netminders.
In June 2021, Drury promoted Allaire to director of goaltending, a role he held for the past two seasons while Jeff Malcolm handled day-to-day goalie coaching duties. Now, as the Rangers prepare for life after Benny, the hockey world tips its cap to a man who shaped the careers of legends and rookies alike.
Congratulations on an incredible career, Benny. The ice won't be the same without you.