Despite Wild Rumor, Strike 1 Name Off NY Rangers Coaching Candidates List

The New York Rangers continue in their quest to find a new head coach to replace Gerard Gallant. But we can now strike one rumored name off that list—mainly because he's quite happy with his current position behind the bench of the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Mike Sullivan: I’m not a Rangers candidate, all-in on Penguins https://t.co/tm9wZYoLob pic.twitter.com/9YwdDPM3bR

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) May 17, 2023

Former Rangers assistant Mike Sullivan, who some New York fans had been clamoring for, told the New York Post on Wednesday, “No, I am under contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, here for the long haul.”

Larry Brooks, hockey writer for that same publication, heard from an unnamed player last week that the rumors were "getting pretty loud" that a wild scenario could unfold in which unsigned GM Kyle Dubas could leave the Toronto Maple Leafs and bring head coach Sheldon Keefe with him to the Penguins, leaving Sullivan to throw his hat in the ring for the Blueshirts' job. 

But Sullivan has now poured cold water on that idea.

He had signed a three-year extension last August with the Penguins, and despite the ongoing overhaul of the front office, he's still "all-in" with the Pens. He's even currently helping out in the search for his next boss in Pittsburgh, as he's advising on the new general manager options. 

The Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years this season, but Sullivan led the franchise to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and ’17, and wants to be there when they're ready to contend again. 

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports