Mike Sullivan’s move from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the New York Rangers has become one of the most talked-about coaching transitions in the NHL. As detailed by Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman in his “32 Thoughts” podcast, Sullivan’s new contract is nothing short of historic. The Rangers signed the former Penguins coach to the richest deal for a head coach in terms of annual average value (AAV) in league history. While the exact numbers are not fully disclosed, Sullivan’s AAV surpasses even Mike Babcock’s previously record-breaking deal, which stood at $6.25 million per year.
Friedman offered further context on the nature of the contract, comparing it to Babcock’s lucrative deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which had an eight-year length and roughly $50 million in total value. Sullivan’s deal is significant not just for its total value, but for its AAV, which has raised the bar for future NHL coaching contracts.
“Sullivan may not be the highest-paid coach in terms of total contract size, but he is certainly the highest-paid in terms of AAV,” Friedman stated, underscoring how the deal represents a new benchmark for head coaching salaries in the NHL.
For the Rangers, the timing of Sullivan’s arrival from Pittsburgh couldn’t have been more ideal. The veteran coach, who led the Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories, is now tasked with rejuvenating a Rangers team that has been on the cusp of playoff success but has struggled to break through. Friedman suggested that the Rangers were desperate to secure Sullivan’s services, as his coaching pedigree made him a highly sought-after commodity. “The Rangers could not let anyone else get Mike Sullivan. He’ll be highly paid, but he will be rejuvenated too,” Friedman said, highlighting how Sullivan’s fresh start in New York could lead to a new chapter in his career.
However, the discussion around Sullivan’s move didn’t end there. Friedman’s podcast also hinted at a broader narrative, suggesting that Mike Sullivan’s departure from Pittsburgh might influence the thinking of another NHL superstar: Sidney Crosby. Friedman speculated that Crosby’s close relationship with Nathan MacKinnon, whom he’ll play with at the World Championships, could lead to MacKinnon pushing Crosby to leave Pittsburgh for Colorado.
Friedman imagines MacKinnon using his influence to convince Crosby to join the Avalanche and help the team “rule the league” from the Western Conference. “MacKinnon is going to be all over Crosby about, ‘Hey, the NHL needs you in the playoffs,’” Friedman remarked, predicting that the two stars might team up in Colorado to chase a Stanley Cup.
However, this speculation about Crosby leaving Pittsburgh doesn’t align with the reality of his commitment to the Penguins. As Tim Benz, a sports columnist for the Tribune-Review, pointed out, Crosby has long been in control of his career and has never shown a serious interest in leaving Pittsburgh, even when the team faced adversity. Despite the team’s struggles in recent years, including the Penguins’ failure to make significant playoff progress since their last Cup win, Crosby has remained dedicated to the franchise.
Benz also noted that Crosby extended his contract through 2027, a clear indication of his intentions to finish his career with the Penguins. Even with the departure of coach Mike Sullivan, Crosby has remained noncommittal to the idea of forcing his way out of Pittsburgh. Instead, Crosby has focused on working with GM Kyle Dubas to improve the team, with the two reportedly having a straightforward conversation about Sullivan’s exit.
The conversation around Crosby’s future continues to frustrate Penguins fans, who have watched as the narrative of him potentially leaving Pittsburgh continues to be floated by national media outlets. Benz questioned whether the real story should be about MacKinnon trying to join the Penguins, especially given Colorado’s recent playoff struggles, including their inability to win a Game 7 in the past few years. “Maybe we should start talking about Crosby recruiting MacKinnon to force a trade to Pittsburgh instead,” Benz quipped, proposing a twist in the ongoing storyline.
While Friedman’s suggestion about Crosby’s potential move to Colorado may be enticing from a media perspective, it overlooks the deeper dynamics of Crosby’s career and his unwavering loyalty to the Penguins. For now, it seems more likely that Crosby will continue to lead the Penguins into their next chapter, possibly with a new head coach and an updated team structure.
As Sullivan embarks on his new journey with the Rangers, the spotlight will continue to shine on him as he attempts to reshape the team’s fortunes. The speculation about Crosby’s future, however, is likely to remain a topic of conversation for years to come—whether or not there is any real basis for it.
In the end, the transition of Sullivan to New York marks a significant moment in the NHL, one that highlights how coaching contracts and player movement can shift the balance of power within the league. As teams like the Rangers seek to build championship-caliber squads, they’re willing to pay top dollar to secure the best talent available, whether behind the bench or on the ice.
For now, fans in Pittsburgh and Colorado alike can only wait and see how these storylines unfold, while the Rangers’ signing of Mike Sullivan marks the beginning of a potentially transformative era in New York. But the question remains: will Sidney Crosby ever consider a move, or will he continue to chase success with the Penguins? Only time will tell.