BREAKING: Pittsburgh Penguins Confirms The Departure Of Another Key Man
The future of Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan appears to be less certain than previously thought, according to insider reports.
Sullivan has been a key figure in the Penguins’ success in recent years, playing a pivotal role in their achievements. However, recent speculation suggests that there may be uncertainty surrounding his position in Pittsburgh, with rumors of a potential power struggle between Sullivan and GM Kyle Dubas.
Sullivan’s coaching journey began as an assistant with the Boston Bruins before stints with several other NHL teams. He eventually took over as head coach of the Penguins’ AHL affiliate before being promoted to the NHL midseason in 2015-16, leading the team to a Stanley Cup victory in his first full season as head coach.
Despite their earlier successes, the Penguins have faced challenges in recent postseasons, experiencing early exits and missing the playoffs entirely for two consecutive seasons. With key players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang entering their late 30s, the team is at a crossroads, potentially necessitating a new direction.
Mike Sullivan, Rod Brind'Amour and Jon Cooper are three of the four longest-tenured coaches in the NHL, but with speculation any of them might be available, NHL teams are waiting to fill vacancies, writes @RoryBoylen. https://t.co/xgkAfKTb1y
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 1, 2024
Given these circumstances, there are questions about whether Sullivan will remain at the helm through any potential retooling or rebuild. Some insiders suggest that it’s not unreasonable to consider the possibility of Sullivan coaching elsewhere next season, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Penguins.
Sullivan’s Status In Pittsburgh Is Unclear
Elliotte Friedman’s recent insights on the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast episode shed light on the uncertainty surrounding Mike Sullivan’s position with the Pittsburgh Penguins. While it was previously assumed that Sullivan would return as head coach for the next phase in Pittsburgh, it now appears that his future with the team is in question.
According to Friedman, many teams would express interest in Sullivan’s services if he were to leave the Penguins. The recent change in GM leadership, with Kyle Dubas taking over in the offseason, adds further uncertainty to the situation. Sullivan himself may also feel that it’s time for the team to hear a new voice and could explore opportunities elsewhere.
However, retaining Sullivan could be a strategic move for the Penguins to remain competitive, especially with core players like Sidney Crosby still on the roster. Sullivan’s experience in cultivating a winning culture in Pittsburgh makes him an appealing option for teams with aspirations for a Stanley Cup.
Ultimately, the decision regarding Sullivan’s future will have significant implications for the Penguins. While some may argue for continuity and keeping Sullivan onboard, others may see his potential departure as an opportunity to initiate a reset and usher in a new era in Pittsburgh.
New Jersey May Express Interest In Sullivan
When discussing potential teams interested in Sullivan, Friedman highlights the New Jersey Devils. It’s evident that the Devils had a disappointing season, leading to the dismissal of head coach Lindy Ruff and the appointment of Travis Green as interim coach. It’s clear that the Devils are eager to return to playoff contention next season, which may necessitate hiring a new, seasoned coach.
Penguins GM: ‘No permissions granted’ for Devils to speak with Mike Sullivan
@TheAthleticNHL | @penguins https://t.co/7s4Uh5rV9T
— Rob Rossi (@Real_RobRossi) April 30, 2024
Friedman said this about the Devils:
“The word on Jersey is that they intend to take a major swing. They want to see whether they can make a big swing out there. Mike Sullivan would be the biggest swing you could take. If the Devils knew that someone like that was available, they would go after him.
The Penguins face an intriguing summer ahead. With two consecutive playoff misses, there’s a pressing need for change. The question looms: will Sullivan remain part of the future plans, or will he be coaching a new team next season? If Sullivan becomes available, anticipate several teams vying for his expertise.