Major Development: New York Rangers reportedly eyeing longtime divisional rivals head coach
It's been a little over 24 hours the New York Rangers fired Peter Laviolette, and it appears they have their eyes set on a divisional rivals head coach as his replacement.
It's been reported by NHL reporter Vince Mercogliano that general manager Chris Drury feels that Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan is at the top of his list to guide the Rangers next year.
Sullivan is second longest tenure for the Penguins
"The guy that I believe that Drury is targeting No. 1 on his list is not technically available, that would be Mike Sullivan, the two-time Stanley Cup winning coach from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has two years remaining on his deal with Pittsburgh and said to the media in Pittsburgh on Friday that he plans on continuing to coach the Penguins.
I've heard that there could be some wiggle room there. I know the Rangers are waiting to find out if there is any chance of prying him away. I do believe Drury thinks highly of Sullivan. They have connections through USA Hockey. - Vince Mercogliano"
I've heard that there could be some wiggle room there. I know the Rangers are waiting to find out if there is any chance of prying him away. I do believe Drury thinks highly of Sullivan. They have connections through USA Hockey. - Vince Mercogliano"
The Penguins and the Rangers are in two different states of hockey as the Penguins are set to rebuild their roster after missing the postseason.
General manager Kyle Dubas has mentioned that he will be exploring all options to make his team better which would likely see key players on their way out of Pittsburgh.
The Rangers missed the postseason after being named the presidents trophy winner last year and Sullivan has a winning brand and style that would compliment the Rangers well.
Rangers will explore all options to bring Sullivan to the team
With the strong connection between Drury and Sullivan, and the fact that the Pittsburgh Penguins will not contend next year it's possible that Sullivan despite saying he would remain as head coach of the Penguins might take a second look and head over to New York.
The Rangers will also likely have a list of candidates that would be ready to interview if Sullivan is unable or willing to come to the Rangers, but it remains to be seen on how this will unfold and who will become the new bench boss going into next season.
Source: House of Hockey
New York Rangers Reportedly Attempting to Poach Stanley Cup Champion Head Coach From Rival Team
New York Rangers Reportedly Attempting to Poach Stanley Cup Champion Head Coach From Rival Team
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 21 | 2468 ANSWERS Major Development: New York Rangers reportedly eyeing longtime divisional rivals head coach Do you think the Rangers can poach Mike Sullivan from the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 945 | 38.3 % |
| No | 1523 | 61.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
