One can never say what’s behind a GM’s decision to change up NHL coaches, so every time an announcement of a changeover is made, it leaves everyone feeling sort of shaken, especially when the team in question seems to have thrived under the same coach. Such is the case with Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who led the team to two consecutive Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and who also coached them through the franchise record of 409 wins. The last three years under Sullivan, however, have been stagnant, and maybe this is why GM Kyle Dubas felt it was time for a change.

It’s true, to have players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on your team and to have not made the playoffs for the past three years seems like a waste. But Dubas’ decision to part ways with Sullivan couldn’t have been made lightly; after all, it was just a few weeks ago that he called him an ‘elite level coach.’

However, it is official, and the Penguins announced today that they would be parting ways with their Mike Sullivan, their coach of ten years. Now, rumors have started to circulate that Sullivan, a proud Boston native, is in talks with the Bruins. But it shouldn’t go missed that the Rangers are currently looking for a new coach as well. This potential link to New York isn’t entirely new: back in 2021, Rangers GM Chris Drury had reportedly waited on Sullivan’s contract situation before ultimately hiring Gerard Gallant.

At the moment, it seems like this was a mutual and thoughtful decision to release a coach at a time when he will undoubtedly be receiving tons of other offers. Coaching vacancies at the moment include the Bruins, the Rangers, the Flyers, the Blackhawks, the Ducks, and the Kraken. And in the cutthroat world of competitive hockey, to release a successful coach to all this competition at this time seems like a rare and unusual thing.

Given his strong ties to the area and the current chatter, many believe Mike Sullivan could be leaning toward a homecoming with the Bruins.

Mike Sullivan’s legacy with the Pittsburgh Penguins

Though the time has now come for the Penguins to part ways with their coach of ten years, with Kyle Dubas announcing that the search for the new head coach will begin immediately, it is important to honour the legacy that Sullivan is leaving behind with this team, and take a moment to commemorate what he was built.

First off, there’s the time spent. Sullivan is second longest tenured coach in the NHL behind Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper, a timeline that has also enabled him to see the team through 409 wins, which makes him the 14th coach in NHL history who has seen their team through over 400 wins. On top of that, it is quite remarkable to consider that the coaching prospect who was brought on to the team in 2015 from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, went on to help them secure two consecutive Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017 respectively! Quick and consistent work.

However, sometimes the momentum is lost, inexplicably, and though it is not telling on Sullivan’s abilities, it is apparent in the way the team has been performing of late, and with the best interests off everyone at hand, Dubas made his decision, but not without commending Mike Sullivan for his “love and loyalty to the organisation.”

Now only time can tell where Sullivan will move to next, but it’d be wise to keep your eyes on the Bruins and Rangers!