Mike Sullivan Signs New Deal as Head Coach with Eastern Conference Team

The Pittsburgh Penguins and general manager Kyle Dubas decided to move on from longtime head coach Mike Sullivan, who had been one of the longest-tenured head coaches in the NHL.

Sullivan, who coached the American squad at the 4 Nations Faceoff in February, didn't have to wait long to find new employment.

He was hired by the New York Rangers, becoming the 38th head coach in team history.

Sullivan had been with Pittsburgh since December of 2015 when he was hired to replace the terminated Mike Johnston; he led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup that year and followed it up with a 2nd straight championship, becoming the 1st team since the 1997 and 1998 Detroit Red Wings to win consecutive titles.

However, he and the Penguins have missed the postseason for the last 3 straight years, the longest drought of captain Sidney Crosby's career; Dubas decided it was time for a change.

After missing the postseason, Rangers GM Chris Drury dismissed coach Peter Laviolette, who had led New York to the President's Trophy and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Final the previous year.

Additionally, the Anaheim Ducks had also reached out to Sullivan while also interviewing former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft.

Sullivan ended his time with the Penguins as the winningest head coach in team history with a record of 409-255-89.

He'll likely never have to pay for a drink in Pittsburgh again; despite the poor end to his tenure, he still led the club to consecutive Stanley Cup victories.