New York Rangers Appoint Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Mike Sullivan as Head Coach… see more…

New York Rangers Appoint Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Mike Sullivan as Head Coach… see more…

New York, NY – May 6, 2025 — In a bold and strategic move aimed at bringing championship pedigree back to Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers have officially announced the hiring of Mike Sullivan as their new head coach. Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, steps into the role with high expectations and a wealth of experience.

The decision comes following the departure of former coach Peter Laviolette, whose tenure saw mixed results and ended without the deep playoff run fans had hoped for. General Manager Chris Drury emphasized the need for a leader who understands what it takes to win in the modern NHL — someone with a proven track record of playoff success, strong player development skills, and tactical sharpness. According to Drury, Sullivan was at the top of that list.

“Mike Sullivan is one of the most respected minds in the game today,” Drury said in a press conference Tuesday morning. “His resume speaks for itself, and his ability to lead, adapt, and bring out the best in his players is exactly what this organization needs to take the next step.”

Sullivan, 56, coached the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017 and holds the record for the most wins by a head coach in Pittsburgh franchise history. His career NHL coaching record stands at 446-265-94, reflecting his consistency and ability to maintain high performance over multiple seasons.

During his introductory press conference, Sullivan expressed both gratitude and determination.

“I’m incredibly honored to join a franchise with such a rich history and passionate fan base,” said Sullivan. “The Rangers are one of the cornerstone teams of this league, and I’m excited for the opportunity to help bring a Stanley Cup back to New York.”

Sullivan also noted that he sees great potential in the current Rangers roster, which includes star players like Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

“This is a group with tremendous talent,” he said. “There’s a solid mix of veteran leadership and young skill, and I believe we can build something special together.”

While Sullivan’s success in Pittsburgh was undeniable, his tenure ended after several early playoff exits and mounting pressure from both management and fans. Still, many around the league believe a change of scenery could reinvigorate his coaching career — and perhaps bring the spark the Rangers have been searching for since their last Stanley Cup triumph in 1994.

The Rangers finished the 2024-25 regular season with a respectable record but fell short in the postseason, highlighting persistent inconsistencies on both ends of the ice. Sullivan’s structured systems and ability to make in-game adjustments are expected to address some of those lingering issues.

Fans have responded with optimism, voicing support across social media and local sports outlets. Many see Sullivan’s hiring as a clear message from the front office: the Rangers are all-in on competing for a championship in the near future.

Training camp is scheduled to begin in September, where Sullivan will get his first opportunity to assess his new team on the ice and begin instilling his systems. Until then, his focus will be on assembling a coaching staff and collaborating with the front office to address offseason needs.

One thing is clear — with Mike Sullivan behind the bench, the Rangers are entering a new era defined by experience, high standards, and an unrelenting pursuit of the Stanley Cup.