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What New Rangers Coach Mike Sullivan Did First After Being Hired

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 9, 2025 6:10 AM ET

Newly hired New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan made communication his No. 1 priority upon arrival.

Sullivan revealed during his introductory press conference on Thursday that he has already spoken directly to every player on the roster, making that his first act as the leader of the Rangers' bench.

“I have spoken to every player on the roster over the last three days,” Sullivan said. “I think there is a fair amount of leadership in that room. There’s a lot of character in that room.”

Sullivan, 57, won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017 and was named the Rangers' head coach on May 2, just days after the Penguins fired him.

Welcome back to New York, Sully. pic.twitter.com/VJSMQGcv0y
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 8, 2025

General manager Chris Drury said the team acted immediately once Sullivan became available, making this hiring a one-man race.

“The second Mike was available, we quickly and aggressively pursued him,” Drury said. “We are certainly thrilled that pursuit led us to this moment today. There’s a lot of work to be done.”

Sullivan emphasized that no player would be given any privileges under his leadership, with all members of the organization earning a chance to prove their worth.

“Every player earns their opportunities,” Sullivan said. “No one’s entitled to an opportunity.”

Sullivan also addressed his intent to help develop younger players like wingers Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault, while working closely with team veterans such as Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox.

“I look forward to working with them, both on the ice and off the ice, to try to become the most competitive team that we can become,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan replaces Peter Laviolette, who was dismissed on April 19 following a disappointing 2024-25 season in which the Rangers missed the playoffs despite winning the Presidents’ Trophy just a year prior.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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