Penguins Insider Addresses if Mike Sullivan Considers Joining Devils…
“I don’t doubt the Devils would’ve liked to speak to him,” Yohe remarked. “But there’s no reason to believe Sullivan was interested. Say what you want about whether the Penguins should still employ him. Many fans are through with him, and I get it — 2017 was a long time ago. But I wouldn’t question his loyalty to the Penguins. I think he’s obsessed with winning here again. I don’t see him wanting out.”
Sullivan, who led the Penguins to Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, had been linked to the Devils earlier in the spring. However, Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas clarified in April that “there had been no requests and no permissions granted” for the Devils to speak with Sullivan. On Tuesday, the Devils introduced Sheldon Keefe as their new head coach, closing the chapter on any potential Sullivan move.
Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review highlighted NHL insider Frank Seravalli’s April 30 report on “The Daily Faceoff Live.” Seravalli suggested there was a “power struggle ongoing between Kyle Dubas and Mike Sullivan,” with Dubas wanting to make changes to the coaching staff, while Sullivan resisted these changes.
However, Yohe dismissed Seravalli’s claim, stating, “there was absolutely nothing to” the notion of a power struggle. On May 3, the Penguins announced they had parted ways with associate coach Todd Reirden.
Under Sullivan’s leadership, the Penguins maintained the longest active playoff streak in North American sports until they missed the postseason tournament for a second consecutive season this year. Given the team’s struggles, Yohe addressed questions from fans about why Sullivan wasn’t dismissed, especially with core players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang,, and Erik Karlsson aging.
“Ownership likes him,” Yohe explained. “Dubas likes him. The stars like him. He has two rings.”
Sullivan’s commitment to the Penguins and his quest to lead them back to championship glory remains steadfast. As the team navigates the upcoming season, the support from management and the trust of star players will be crucial in determining their path forward.