Mike Sullivan: The Next Rangers Head Coach?
Mike Sullivan might be the most powerful head coach in the NHL. After a successful run in Pittsburgh, things might be starting to grow stale. The Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang core is starting to age as the Penguins’ 16-year playoff streak was snapped. Could Sullivan end up leaving for greener pastures?
The Rangers are also in need of a new head coach after firing Gerard Gallant. Would the Rangers look to replace Gallant with Sullivan?
It looks like they already tried and got turned down. Sullivan has made it clear he’s all in on Pittsburgh and has no interest in taking the Rangers job.
“No, I am under contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, here for the long haul,” he said over the phone.
Sullivan, 55, has compiled a 337-187-65 record with the Penguins. That includes the back-to-back Stanley Cup runs in 2015 and 16. Sullivan also has immense power in the organization. Ron Hextall and the entire front office was fired (and rightfully so) this offseason. Sullivan may have even more power in personnel given the failed Hextall experiment.
As for the Rangers, their search continues. It’s already been reported that they won’t pursue Joel Quenneville. It will be interesting to see who the Rangers tab as the new head man. Whoever it is, expectations will be high after a first round playoff exit to New Jersey.
Peter Laviolette, Mike Babcock, Jay Leach, Kris Knoblauch, Bruce Boudreau, Andrew Brunette, and Darryl Sutter are all possible names that could be next.
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