Mike Sullivan, the new head coach for the New York Rangers, faces several key priorities as he takes charge of a team that failed to make the playoffs last season, despite having won the Presidents’ Trophy the year before.
Effective communication will be one of his primary focuses.
At his introductory press conference on Thursday, Sullivan stated, “I have spoken to every player on the roster over the last three days. I believe there is significant leadership and considerable character within that group.”
Sullivan, who becomes the 38th head coach in the Rangers` history and the fifth since 2018, finalized his agreement to join the team on May 2. This move followed his departure from Pittsburgh, where he successfully led the Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships.
Sullivan steps in for Peter Laviolette, whose tenure ended on April 19. Laviolette was dismissed after the Rangers experienced a 29-point drop, resulting in them missing the playoffs despite a talented roster. Sullivan`s tasks include revitalizing a power play unit that declined significantly, from being among the league`s best to ranking 28th in the 2024-25 season, and improving the team`s defensive performance, particularly in support of their usually elite goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, who had a challenging previous season.
Sullivan previously served as an assistant coach for the Rangers under John Tortorella from 2009 to 2013. During this period, he coached Chris Drury, who is now the team`s president and general manager. The two also collaborated through USA Hockey, including at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and are set to be part of the U.S. team for the 2026 Milan Olympics.
Having previously coached stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang while winning two Cups with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, Sullivan now gets to work with the Rangers` key offensive threats: Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox.
Sullivan, who faced the Rangers in a seven-game first-round playoff series loss in 2022, commented, “Over the years, I`ve developed immense respect for the talent present on the Rangers. I am eager for the chance to build personal relationships with these players and to collaborate with them, both on and off the ice, as we strive to build the most competitive team possible.”
Another key consideration for the 57-year-old Sullivan — himself a former player drafted by the Rangers in 1987 who played 709 NHL games for four other teams — is his approach to developing younger talent like 22-year-old Brennan Othmann and 20-year-old Gabe Perreault, a 2023 first-round pick who saw limited time with the team late last season.
Sullivan described his coaching philosophy regarding player development: “Part of coaching, or perhaps the art of it, involves determining the optimal daily plan for each player. For young players, this might mean time in the American Hockey League, while for others, it might be National Hockey League experience, depending on their potential ice time. Crucially, I believe every player must earn their opportunities; no one is entitled to them.”
Drury, whose contract was extended last month, was present alongside Sullivan on Thursday.
Drury`s two previous coaching appointments, Peter Laviolette and Gerard Gallant, each served for two seasons. The 48-year-old GM shared his excitement about bringing Sullivan aboard, noting that Sullivan is the only American-born coach to have won the Stanley Cup multiple times.
Drury commented on the hiring process: “The moment Mike became available, we moved quickly and aggressively to pursue him. We are absolutely thrilled that our efforts resulted in this outcome today. There is significant work ahead.”
Tristan Blackwood