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Vigneault expects to be back behind Rangers' bench next season

Joel Auerbach / Getty Images Sport / Getty

A non-playoff season for the New York Rangers isn't shaking Alain Vigneault's confidence.

The head coach fully expects to be back behind the bench next season, despite not yet discussing his situation with general manager Jeff Gorton or president Glenn Sather.

"Yes, I think my staff is the right staff for the job," Vigneault said after Saturday's season-ending 5-0 loss to Philadelphia, per Adam Kimelman of NHL.com.

"This is just my opinion but I think one of the strongest assets of this organization is its coaching staff," he continued. "They're experienced, we've been able to do it with veteran players, we've been able to do it with younger players ... Our record, it's pretty good with younger and older players."

Prior to this season, the Rangers had advanced to the playoffs every year since 2011, and Vigneault has been behind the bench since 2013.

He led the team to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2014 and the Presidents' Trophy in 2015, but the Rangers will finish this season in last place in the Metropolitan Division.

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