Everything changed for the New York Rangers regarding their coaching search Monday. In an instant, Mike Sullivan became the universally expected top choice to replace the fired Peter Laviolette.
It's not known if Rangers general manager Chris Drury had even the slightest inkling that Sullivan and the Pittsburgh Penguins would part ways after 10 seasons and two Stanley Cup championships. You can be pretty sure he hoped for this moment, after missing out on his top coaching target in 2021 and again in 2023 when Sullivan remained with the Penguins.
Elliotte Friedman spoke for most NHL insiders when he said Monday, "Until someone beats the Rangers out for Sullivan's services, that's who I'm picking … He's their No. 1."
Each person Forever Blueshirts spoke to within the League concurs with that sentiment.
"C'mon! This is Drury's guy. It's who he wanted in 2021 before he had to settle for [Gerard] Gallant. It might cost them $7 million a year, but the Rangers will pay it. 'Sully' is their guy," said one to Forever Blueshirts.
Larry Brooks and Mollie Walker of the New York Post each made compelling arguments that Sullivan is not a perfect fit for the Rangers. The Penguins were even worse defensively than the Rangers this season, missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs a third straight season, and haven't won a postseason series since 2018. And it's not like Sullivan is well known for bringing along young talent.
Walker wrote that nothing should be a foregone conclusion because Drury absolutely needs to get this next coaching hire right, for the long haul.
But even the two Posties agree that it appears this is Sullivan's job if he wants it.
Related: GM Chris Drury takes blame for Rangers mess after firing coach Peter Laviolette: 'It starts with me'
Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff believes New York's coaching search is going to be a short one now that Sullivan is officially available.
"The Rangers will have their coach by the end of this week," Seravalli said on the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast Tuesday.
One reason for that would be Drury hungry to get his man, not doubting for an instant that Sullivan is the perfect hire. Also, moving quickly seems prudent business because a good team that flames out in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs may want to get in on possibly hiring Sullivan — think the Los Angeles Kings , Vegas Golden Knights or maybe even the Edmonton Oilers .
Haven't heard his name mentioned in connection with the Rangers job opening, but Todd Nelson sure has put together a quality coaching resume. The 55-year-old is looking to guide the Hershey Bears to their third consecutive Calder Cup championship in the American Hockey League. He also coached Grand Rapids to the Calder Cup in 2017.
The past two seasons he's helped bring along a slew of talented youngsters who helped the Washington Capitals finish atop the Eastern Conference this season. That's a major plus.
Nelson also has NHL experience. He finished out the 2014-15 season as interim coach of the Oilers (17-25-9 in 51 games) and also was a Dallas Stars assistant for several seasons.
He's an extremely under the radar option for the Rangers, but a very intriguing one, if, you know, that Sullivan thing doesn't come to pass.
This is just a random thought, but you know what would be cool? If the Rangers ever found their own first-time NHL coach that stuck and had success for a decade or so. Someone like their own Jon Cooper. Or Spencer Carbery.
Smart. Engaging. Young. Honest communicator. Handles the media well. Develops young players. Earns the respect of veterans. Forms long-lasting bonds with players, management, fans.
Kris Knoblauch, perhaps, could've been that coach. David Quinn lasted three seasons and was, rightly or wrongly, pretty much viewed as a bridge coach during the rebuild. Before Quinn in 2018, Bryan Trotter was the Rangers' last first-time NHL coach. Of course, he was a complete disaster and never made it through his first season in 2002-03. Before Trots? Colin Campbell, who coached four seasons after Mike Keenan abruptly left after winning the Stanley Cup in 1994.
Other than that group, all veteran coaches, in some cases, mercenaries.
Wouldn't it be cool one day if the Rangers actually had their own young bright coach who they developed and nurtured, and he succeeded on their watch, and vice versa?
