April 13 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Vancouver Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault on his bench during the first period of the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Things have been moving very fast for the New York Rangers since firing John Tortorella and it appears they’ve zeroed in on the guy they want to lead their team into the next chapter of the franchise’s history. The Vancouver Canucks surprisingly fired the talented Alain Vigneault this offseason and the Rangers are reportedly close to reaching a deal with him to name him the next head coach in New York.

Alain Vigneault is on the verge to be the next Rangers coach. #RDS

— Renaud Lavoie (@RenLavoieRDS) June 15, 2013

It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that Vigneault is the man the Rangers are expected to hire as his name has been kicked around for the better part of a week now as the best candidate for the job. The Rangers did interview former player Mark Messier this week as well, but really that seemed to be them just trying to check all doors to be absolutely sure Vigneault was the right man for the job.

The news that Vigneault is likely to be hired by the Rangers comes on the heels of reports that John Tortorella could be the guy the Canucks hire to replace Vigneault in Vancouver. While Torts and the Canucks are still in the flirting stage of their relationship, things are much more serious with the Rangers and Vigneault. According to Daren Dreger, Vigneault is to the point where he’s turning down offers to open himself up to the Rangers.

Oops. Re-read tweet. Meant to say it’s believed Stars had a substantial offer for AV…until he met with NYR’s Dolan and co.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 15, 2013

If this is true, then Vigneault’s future as the next head coach of the New York Rangers seems to be a lot closer than even reports already out seem to be indicating.