Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Parting Ways With Head Coach Mike Sullivan
Photo credit: Hockey Canada
Pittsburgh Penguins current General Manager Kyle Dubas has recently revealed the truth behind why the organization parted ways with two-time Stanley Cup winning head coach, Mike Sullivan. New York Rangers to hire one of the most notable coaches in the NHL today.
Ever since the New York Rangers hired Mike Sullivan as their head coach, many fans were left wondering why the Pittsburgh Penguins even decided to part ways with him, after he has served as their head coach for the last ten-seasons and won two Stanley cups.
However, near the end of Mike Sullivan's tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team started to struggle as they failed to failed to reach the Playoffs over the last three season and haven't won a playoff round since 2018.
Was Mike Sullivan The Issue For The Pittsburgh Penguins Decline?
During a recent interview back in April, General Manager Kyle Dubas revealed that he didn't believe that Sullivan was the main the reason for the organizations lack of success but he certainly felt like it was time for both parties to find a new look in the National Hockey League.
«He and I met last Tuesday - just about where we're at, where we're going, the road that we see to get there, the challenges that lie ahead. In my mind, and there had been a few stretches during the year where I (felt) this as well where maybe someone could be a great coach and it was just time for them to go elsewhere.
«Use whatever analogy you want: Sometimes the class needs a new professor; sometimes the professor needs a new class.»
«Use whatever analogy you want: Sometimes the class needs a new professor; sometimes the professor needs a new class.»
With that being said, there was a ton of rumours throughout the 2024-25 season that the Penguins were on the verge of parting ways with Sullivan, and Kyle Dubas has now confirmed that he had that possibility in his mind for months before the season came to an end.
«There were times throughout the year that I thought it just may be time,» Dubas said of Sullivan. «It's a lot to ask of somebody, when they've done such a long and successful job here, to be managing that and continue to transition the team, too. Off the top of my head, I don't know that there's an NHL coach that's done that.»
All things happen for a reason as just shortly after the Penguins fired Sullivan, the New York Rangers quickly signed him to a five-year, $31 million contract, making him the highest paid coach in NHL history.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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