Rangers hire Sullivan as head coach

The New York Rangers have hired Mike Sullivan as the team's next head coach, just days after he parted ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The move represents a return to New York for Sullivan after he served with the Rangers in an assistant role in 2009-10 and 2012-13.

Sullivan's contract is expected to be one of the most lucrative in NHL history for a head coach, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported Thursday.

"Mike Sullivan has established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the NHL," Rangers general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. "Given his numerous accomplishments throughout his coaching career - including two Stanley Cups and leading Team USA at the international level - Mike brings a championship-level presence behind the bench."

Sullivan spent the past 10 seasons with Pittsburgh, winning Stanley Cups in his first two years on the job. He also coached the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off and will hold the role for the 2026 Olympics in Italy.

The 57-year-old was considered the most sought-after coach on the market after his split with the Penguins. Seven vacancies remain across the NHL now that the Rangers hired Sullivan.

The Rangers fired Peter Laviolette after becoming only the fourth team in NHL history to miss the playoffs the season after winning the Presidents' Trophy.

Sullivan is New York's fourth head coach since 2021.