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Penguins Reportedly Have 'Impressive Interview' With Top Coaching Candidate From Rival
Photo credit: Russian Machine Never Breaks
The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly interested in hiring Mitch Love, an assistant coach with the divisional foe Washington Capitals, as Mike Sullivan's successor.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of several NHL teams looking for a new head coach, as it was announced by general manager Kyle Dubas that Mike Sullivan would not be back after nearly 10 full years on the job.
While Sullivan has already resurfaced as coach of the New York Rangers, the search continues for the Penguins for his successor.
Per Josh Yohe of The Athletic, the Penguins have interviewed Mitch Love, an assistant with the divisional foe Washington Capitals, for the position.
One candidate to watch is Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love. Penguins team sources have told me that Love, who was a very successful junior and AHL coach, was impressive during his interview.
He seems to be on the short list of favorites for the job. Love was a tough player in his minor-league playing days, and Dubas has concerns about the Penguins' lack of size and toughness.
He seems to be on the short list of favorites for the job. Love was a tough player in his minor-league playing days, and Dubas has concerns about the Penguins' lack of size and toughness.
Before joining the Capitals, Love was head coach of the AHL's Calgary Wranglers, and earned the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as AHL Coach of the Year twice. He's also coached the WHL's Saskatoon Blades.
Among the other teams that are looking for a new head coach are the Seattle Kraken, Chicago Blackhawks, and Boston Bruins. Both the Blackhawks and Bruins fired their head coaches in November and replaced them on an interim basis with Anders Sorenson and Joe Sacco, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Kraken fired coach Dan Bylsma after only a year on the job.
| POLL | ||
MAI 18 | 154 ANSWERS Penguins Reportedly Have 'Impressive Interview' With Top Coaching Candidate From Rival Should the Penguins hire Mitch Love as their next head coach? | ||
| Yes | 79 | 51.3 % |
| No | 75 | 48.7 % |
| List of polls | ||