A stunning turn of events with a division rival may have massive ramifications for the New York Rangers after the Pittsburgh Penguins parted ways with coach Mike Sullivan on Monday.
The Rangers fired Peter Laviolette more than a week ago after a trainwreck of a season left them the outside looking in at the Stanley Cup Playoffs, just one year after winning the Presidents' Trophy.
Sullivan, who had two years remaining on his lucrative contract with the Penguins, seemingly jumps to the top of their list of candidates to replace Laviolette. Especially since it's widely believed general manager Chris Drury tried to lure him to New York before.
It's not just the Rangers who will have interest in Sullivan, though. There are a slew of teams seeking a new coach, and Sullivan likely will have many options if he wishes to be behind a bench this season.
A former Rangers assistant from 2009-13 under coach John Tortorella, Sullivan guided the Penguins to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. The 57-year-old is the all-time coaching wins leader in Penguins history with a record of 409-255-89 and is the 14th coach all-time in the NHL to win 400 games with one team.
Sullivan also coached the Boston Bruins from 2003-06, and his 479 wins are 32nd in NHL history .
The Penguins are caught in between wanting to be a contender and in dire need of a rebuild. Despite a roster that includes Sidney Crosby , Evgeni Malkin , Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson , the Penguins missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third straight season in 20245-25, finishing seventh in the eight team Metropolitan Division (34-36-12).
"On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and City of Pittsburgh over the past decade," Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement .
"Mike is known for his preparation, focus and fierce competitiveness. I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to his dedication to this franchise for the past two seasons. He will forever be an enormous part of Penguins history, not only for the impressive back-to-back Cups, his impact on the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Bryan Rust , but more importantly, for his love and loyalty to the organization. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but as we continue to navigate the Penguins through this transitional period, we felt it was the best course forward for all involved."
THIS IS A DEVLEOPING STORY, MORE TO COME
