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Elliotte Friedman Exposes What Really Happened with Mike Sullivan and the Penguins
Elliotte Friedman exposed what really went down between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Mike Sullivan that led to the coach's firing in an intervention on NHL Network.
The Pittsburgh Penguins joined the list of teams that will be looking for a new head coach in the offseason after parting ways with Mike Sullivan yesterday.
President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas issued the following statement to announce the news:
"On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and City of Pittsburgh over the past decade.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
Yesterday, in an intervention on NHL Network, Elliotte Friedman discussed what led to Dubas' decision, highlighting the different views about the organization's future between him and Sullivan:
"I really believe that what we're talking about here is a difference in timelines. I think that Kyle Dubas sees the Penguins-well, when he got hired to run the Penguins, he signed a seven-year deal.
And I think one of the reasons he asked for, and received, a term that long was because he viewed this as a long-term project. I believe, at the end of the day, Mike Sullivan and Kyle Dubas had differing views on how long it would take to make the Penguins a contender again.
I think Dubas presented a plan that was a bit longer term, and I just don't think Mike Sullivan wanted to-or necessarily agreed with-that kind of approach. And it's not that it was negative or that they couldn't work together anymore. I think it was more simply that Dubas was saying, 'Look, based on my plan, this is going to take time.'
And I just don't think that was what Sullivan, as competitive a guy as he is, was interested in. That's why I think we are where we are today."
And I think one of the reasons he asked for, and received, a term that long was because he viewed this as a long-term project. I believe, at the end of the day, Mike Sullivan and Kyle Dubas had differing views on how long it would take to make the Penguins a contender again.
I think Dubas presented a plan that was a bit longer term, and I just don't think Mike Sullivan wanted to-or necessarily agreed with-that kind of approach. And it's not that it was negative or that they couldn't work together anymore. I think it was more simply that Dubas was saying, 'Look, based on my plan, this is going to take time.'
And I just don't think that was what Sullivan, as competitive a guy as he is, was interested in. That's why I think we are where we are today."
Friedman also discussed how Sullivan's firing would weigh on Sidney Crosby and his wishes to remain a member of the Penguins for the rest of his career.
The Pens' captain was informed of the situation Sunday, and as pointed out by Friedman-who also said that if the change were to have an impact on Crosby's future, we wouldn't know soon, as the player certainly won't rush into making a tough decision:
"And, you know, I heard you guys talking about Crosby-and that's one of the things I spent most of the day trying to figure out.
You heard what Dubas said. He was asked about Crosby. He doesn't think this is going to change Crosby's willingness to stay. He's extremely loyal to the Penguins. The only thing I would say is that one thing about Crosby is: he doesn't rush into any decisions.
Like Dubas said, he only found out yesterday. And if, in any way, this were to change Crosby's outlook, I think it would be a while before we had any sense of that. He doesn't rush into things, that's for sure."
You heard what Dubas said. He was asked about Crosby. He doesn't think this is going to change Crosby's willingness to stay. He's extremely loyal to the Penguins. The only thing I would say is that one thing about Crosby is: he doesn't rush into any decisions.
Like Dubas said, he only found out yesterday. And if, in any way, this were to change Crosby's outlook, I think it would be a while before we had any sense of that. He doesn't rush into things, that's for sure."
Stay tuned for updates on Crosby's future amid the Penguins' search for a new head coach.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 29 | 414 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman Exposes What Really Happened with Mike Sullivan and the Penguins Do you think Mike Sullivan will find another job in the NHL before the start of the next season? | ||
| Yes | 397 | 95.9 % |
| No | 17 | 4.1 % |
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