Nothing is official, but rumblings between the New York Rangers and Mike Sullivan continue to pick up steam.
Sullivan seems to be Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury’s No. 1 option to fill in the team’s head coaching vacancy, at least according to multiple NHL insiders with knowledge of the situation.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman even is under the impression it’s more likely than not that the Rangers land Sullivan.
Rangers Reportedly Won't Let Any Team Outdo Them In Pursuit Of Mike Sullivan
Since Mike Sullivan parted ways with the Pittsburgh <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins" target="_blank">Penguins</a> on Monday, rumors have linked him to the New York <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/" target="_blank">Rangers</a>.
“What is going to happen with Sullivan? I just don’t know if you’re the New York Rangers, you are allowing anyone to snatch Sullivan from your clutches,” Friedman said. “2021, Chris Drury takes over for Jeff Gorton. He waited to make sure Sullivan was not available before they hired Gerard Gallant.
“He was with Sullivan this year at the 4 Nations, he knows what he sees there, and after all the coaching changes they have had in New York over the last few years, they have to get this right. I just don’t see any way the Rangers can allow themselves to be beaten to Mike Sullivan. I will be shocked if he isn’t their guy unless for some reason he doesn't want to go there, I will be shocked if he isn’t their guy.”
Given the fact that Drury has fired three coaches since 2021, stability is a major need for the Rangers, which is something Sullivan could provide.
He’s a two-time Stanley Cup Champion and his coaching pedigree is very well documented around the NHL world.
Now, we’ll have to see if Drury can get the job done and get his guy.