Earlier today, Penguins long time coach, and two time Stanley Cup winner Mike Sullivan mutually agreed to part ways with the Penguins as the team looks to further their rebuild to the coaching staff. But with Sullivan’s shock exit comes deliberation over his next destination, but there is only one clear answer.
The New York Rangers are one of the many teams who are in search of a new head coach for next season following the firing of Peter Laviolette, and the two time champion Sullivan just makes sense to end up in the Big Apple.
New York took a very big u-turn this season, going from presidents trophy winners, to fourth bottom in the Metro division, the Rangers front office felt like a big coaching change was needed, and as Sullivan hits the market, they could be the first team to pounce on the seasoned vet.
But why?
Sullivan is arguably the best coach on the market at the moment, and has the credentials to go with it. Being one of the longest serving head coaches to date, and having worked with some of the best players in the NHL, Sullivan would be a great first for the already stacked New York team, and could easily bring his championship values and style of play to the Big Apple. Sullivan’s extensive knowledge of the Metro division, and success over the last decade in the Eastern conference, his knowledge of teams alone will make him a more attractive suitor compared to other coaches, and is a big factor as to why a fellow Metro team like the Rangers may want to pick him up.
Unlike coaches like David Carle who could likely make the jump from the NCAA to the NHL this year, Sullivan has the experience and NHL level credentials to go with it, making him a more than reliable fit for New York. Having played, and coached for the Rangers previously in his career, it is a big help that he understands the culture of New York hockey, once again proving he is a perfect candidate for the team. With teams like Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia also looking for new head coaches, it is likely that Sullivan’s preference is to coach a championship caliber team like New York, and after a few sad seasons with Pittsburgh, New York would be his perfect destination.
With New York entering new beginnings, and Sullivan finding himself with a lot of opportunities at his hands, his comfortability in the Metro, and desires to coach another championship team may sway him towards the Rangers, and is definitely the best suitor going forward in New York.
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