If Mike Sullivan were to depart the Pittsburgh Penguins, numerous teams would love to give him a call.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are two weeks into their offseason, and there have already been reports of a power struggle within the ranks. After just one season together, a possible rift might be forming between Kyle Dubas and Mike Sullivan.

Dubas wants to change the Penguins’ assistant coaching lineup, while Sullivan wants to stay loyal to his guys. The possibility of an unhappy working relationship has led many to believe Sullivan may end up on another team for the 2024-25 season.

The New Jersey Devils emerged as a possible landing spot thanks to a rumor from Nick Kypreos in the Toronto Star, but the Penguins quickly put that rumor to bed. Dubas stated no conversations have been had, and no request to speak has been made.

In all likelihood, Sullivan is staying in Pittsburgh and will begin a three-year contract when the puck drops on the 2024-25 season. If he was to be made available, though, there is no doubt teams would be interested.

Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast said teams looking for coaches may be waiting to see if Sullivan leaves.

“I think there’s teams that are looking for coaches that are like, ‘what happens if Mike Sullivan is available?’” Friedman asked. “’Is he available? Is there any chance he doesn’t want to stay in Pittsburgh?’”

With two Stanley Cup rings and the winningest coach in Penguins history, any other team would be happy to hire Sullivan as their bench boss. Friedman also noted that the Devils would be tough to beat in that race.

“There are teams that would want Sullivan,” Friedman said. “The word on Jersey is they want to take a big swing. Obviously, Jon Cooper and Mike Sullivan would be as big a swing as you can take.”

Sullivan will likely be the Penguins’ head coach for the 2024-25 season. Dubas believes in Sullivan’s coaching abilities and has repeatedly praised him.

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