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Could the Sullivan to New York as head coach domino be close to happening? |
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Ek likes to refer to dominoes. Weeks ago, he and others, including Larry Brooks, speculated on Mike Sullivan to the Rangers as their coach. For that to occur, several dominoes had to fall in line, to date, not all have occurred but we are inching closer.
First, Kyle Dubas, in the last year of his contract, needed to cease his relationship with Toronto. That occurred last week. Second, Dubas would have to land in Pittsburgh as their GM or head of hockey operations. The latter happened today.
Next, Dubas would need to bring on board Sheldon Keefe as Pittsburgh's coach. While that has not yet transpired, all signs point to Jason Spezza - who stepped down after Dubas was not brought back - coming on board as the Pens' GM. Spezza and Dubas will likely want their own man as coach, which in this case is expected to be Keefe. One sticking point is that Keefe is signed through the 2023-24 season, so Toronto could play hard ball, but a clean break with all parties could be in the offering.
If all the above transpires - and yes, it does read like a good mystery novel - Mike Sullivan could be available. This one however will be a bit stickier, as Sullivan is in the midst of a three-year contract extension he signed last August that was to keep him as the Penguins bench boss through the 2026-27 season. But if Dubas and Spezza convince the Fenway Sports Group that a clean sweep of oversight positions is needed, Sullivan might end up the odd man out.
GM Chris Drury has yet to hire a coach. The latest less palatable options have leaned towards Peter Laviolette and John Hynes. Sullivan would immediately go to the top of the list. He has a relationship with Drury from USA Hockey. Sullivan knows the landscape in New York, having been an assistant coach under John Tortorella. He has coached high-end talent in the past as well.
Sullivan is far from a perfect coach, as you can very well argue his Pens teams have underachieved the last few years given the talent there. But he has two Cup wins to his resume and is a clear upgrade on the other choices, for the most part, that are rumored to be in play. If the Rangers are to go the retread and not fresh face route, Sullivan - if available and as Rob Rossi noted in his Athletic column below, Sullivan has lots of power in the Pittsburgh organization- is the better of the choices mentioned.
Granted, some of this if far-fetched, Though the more components that fall into place and dominoes that fall, the less crazy it looks.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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