Articles / Sullivan set for return to Pittsburgh as Rangers coach, ‘grateful’ to city

Sullivan set for return to Pittsburgh as Rangers coach, ‘grateful’ to city

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NHL.com
Oct 11, 2025 5:55 PM

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Mike Sullivan is set to return to Pittsburgh, but this time as the head coach of the New York Rangers. Sullivan, who previously led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories, now faces the daunting task of competing against his former team in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division. With his rich history in Pittsburgh, fans and players alike are curious to see how he transitions to this new role, especially in a city that holds so many memories for him.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently in a rebuilding phase, while the Rangers are making strides toward becoming championship contenders. Sullivan brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, which could significantly elevate the Rangers' ambitions. Players like Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox will be integral to his plans as they seek to build on their playoff performances from recent seasons.

As Sullivan prepares for this challenge, he has expressed his excitement about returning to the city where he made his mark. The matchup between the Rangers and Penguins is expected to be a highlight of the NHL season, with Sullivan’s familiarity with the Penguins’ roster adding an intriguing layer to the rivalry. Fans are eager to witness this battle of former colleagues and friends turned competitors, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams vie for playoff positioning.