Gerard Gallant, a former NHL head coach, has decided to resign from his position as head coach of the KHL’s Shanghai Dragons, citing health concerns. The announcement was made by Pierre LeBrun on Monday. At 62 years old, Gallant recently faced illness and has chosen to return to Prince Edward Island, Canada, to prioritize his health.
Gallant’s Tenure with Shanghai Dragons
The Shanghai Dragons, based in St. Petersburg, Russia, hired Gallant in August 2025. This marked their first season under a new name, previously known as Kunlun Red Star. Gallant’s leadership initially brought success, with the team winning seven of their first nine games, placing them at the top of the KHL’s Eastern Conference early in the season.
Current Season Performance
However, the team’s performance declined, and they currently sit ninth in the conference. They are six points away from qualifying for the Gagarin Cup Playoffs. In March, the Dragons will return to Shanghai for two regular-season games, representing the KHL’s first games in China since the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the Red Star’s relocation to Russia in 2020.
Interim Coaching Situation
Following Gallant’s departure, Mike Kelly, aged 65, has been appointed as the interim head coach. Kelly has been an assistant to Gallant at several organizations, including the New York Rangers and Vegas Golden Knights. This will be Kelly’s first head coaching experience at the senior men’s professional level.
- Previous head coaching experience at QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs (2012-2014).
- Gallant’s return to health is hoped for by the organization.
- In December, Alexei Kovalev was appointed as a midseason assistant coach to support the team.
Upcoming Games
The Shanghai Dragons are set to host SKA St. Petersburg in their next match, followed by an away game against Lokomotiv Yaroslavl on Saturday. The team is looking forward to navigating the season ahead with a refreshed approach.
