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Could Mike Sullivan emerge as a top coaching candidate for Bruins?
Mike Sullivan — a Marshfield native — previously coached the Bruins from 2003-06.
With the Bruins’ already in the midst of another head-coaching search this offseason, an intriguing candidate with evident ties to Boston just hit the open market.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Mike Sullivan announced in a statement on Monday that both parties are officially parting ways after 10 years together.
“Mike is known for his preparation, focus and fierce competitiveness. I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to his dedication to this franchise for the past two seasons,” Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas said in the statement. “He will forever be an enormous part of Penguins history, not only for the impressive back-to-back Cups, his impact on the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Bryan Rust, but more importantly, for his love and loyalty to the organization.
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“This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but as we continue to navigate the Penguins through this transitional period, we felt it was the best course forward for all involved.”
Sullivan compiled a record of 409-255-89 during his tenure with Pittsburgh, helping them win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
The Penguins’ contention window has shuttered in recent years, however. Sullivan and Pittsburgh have missed the playoffs for three straight seasons, with the Pens’ last playoff-round victory coming back in 2018.
Still, Sullivan’s championship pedigree, reputation across pro hockey (head coach of Team USA at 4 Nations Face-Off), and especially his connections with the Bruins make him a top candidate for Boston’s vacant position at bench boss.
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Sullivan, 57, started his NHL head-coaching career with the Bruins from 2003-06, initially cutting his teeth in Boston’s organization as head coach of the Providence Bruins in 2002-03.
He also played alongside Don Sweeney for one season with the Bruins during the 1997-98 season.
The Marshfield native and Boston University alum also played alongside Joe Sacco with the Terriers for three seasons — and could retain Boston’s current interim head coach moving forward.
Sullivan also has evident ties to this current Bruins roster, consideirng that Charlie McAvoy is his son-in-law.
While that might create an awkward player-coach dynamic, Sullivan cherished the opportunity to coach McAvoy during the 4 Nations Face-Off before the defenseman’s eventual season-ending injury.
“Someday we might look back on this and smile,” Sullivan told the Associated Press in February. “Charlie means the world to us, to our family. First and foremost, he’s a terrific hockey player. He’s a fierce competitor. But more importantly than that is he’s a great kid and a good person and he means the world to our family.”
Even with Pittsburgh’s lack of success in recent years, Sullivan likely stands at the forefront of established head-coaching candidates on the open market — joining a group that includes names like Peter Laviolette, John Tortorella, and Gerard Gallant.
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Speaking last week, Don Sweeney noted that identifying a coach with some semblance of NHL experience would be preferred — although it wasn’t tabbed as an outright requirement.
“The person who comes into this door is going to have success,” Sweeney said. “We’re going to set them up for that. We’re going to work with them with that. But having NHL experience is part of that. They don’t have to be currently an NHL coach, but exposure to league is important.”
“In terms of hitting the criteria, communication with players nowadays is paramount. Structure, detail and being organized is paramount,” Boston’s GM added. “You can’t have it and survive. I want a coach that’s going to evolve a little bit offensively, and again, that’s part and parcel with being able to communicate with sometimes younger players and their stubbornness or their inexperience.”
Even if the Bruins are interested in bringing back Sullivan, the veteran head coach is expected to be a top target for several other teams.
Beyond the Bruins and Penguins, the Rangers, Blackhawks, Flyers, Kraken, and Ducks have head-coaching openings right now.
New York could be a viable destination for Sullivan, with Rangers GM (and fellow BU alum) Chris Drury reportedly coveting Sullivan as a head-coaching hire for years. Sullivan also has ties to the Blueshirts, as he served as Tortorella’s assistant coach in New York from 2009-13.
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