NHL Rumors: 5 Best Fits for Mike Sullivan After Penguins Split

Mike Sullivan won’t be out of work for long, and with several teams in the market for a new coach, the race to land the two-time Stanley Cup winner is already underway:

New York Rangers

If Mike Sullivan wants to jump right back into a high-profile job, the Rangers seem ready to hand him the keys. Larry Brooks of the New York Post believes the Rangers' vacancy is there for Sullivan if he wants it. Former players like Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck could thrive under Sullivan, but his handling of younger talent such as Alexis Lafrenière and K’Andre Miller would determine long-term success. ESPN’s P.K. Subban even named the Rangers as the top destination, saying, "With the right coach, this team could win the Stanley Cup."

Boston Bruins

Boston could be an emotional homecoming for Sullivan, who coached the Bruins from 2003 to 2006 and hails from Massachusetts. With the interim tag still hanging over Joe Sacco, Sullivan would be the obvious permanent solution. Adam Proteau of The Hockey News noted the Bruins’ plan to retool quickly rather than rebuild, making the job even more appealing for a coach who’s used to competing right away.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers don’t have a direct link to Sullivan, but the rebuild underway could present an enticing challenge. GM Daniel Brière is searching for the right veteran coach to guide a promising young core, and Sullivan’s experience with developing players could be an asset. While Philadelphia isn't as close to contending as other options, Sullivan’s familiarity with the fanbase's passion could make the Flyers an intriguing landing spot.

Vegas Golden Knights

Larry Brooks also floated the idea that the Vegas Golden Knights might make a push for Sullivan. With a veteran-heavy roster built to win now, Sullivan’s no-nonsense approach could fit perfectly in Vegas. The Knights are always aggressive when it comes to hiring proven winners, and Sullivan’s two Stanley Cups make him a strong candidate if Bruce Cassidy’s future becomes uncertain.

Anaheim Ducks

A bit more of a curveball, but one P.K. Subban mentioned: the Ducks could benefit greatly from Sullivan’s steady hand as they continue their rebuild. While Anaheim would require a longer-term vision, Sullivan could be attracted to molding a young, talented group like Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson into a contender over the next few years. It would be a very different challenge, but one that could have big rewards down the road.

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