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Penguins, Mike Sullivan split makes sense for both sides

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 12:26 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins started off the week by announcing the decision to part ways with longtime coach Mike Sullivan. And while this move might be somewhat shocking to some, it makes sense for both sides.

“On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and City of Pittsburgh over the past decade," president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement.

"He will forever be an enormous part of Penguins history, not only for the impressive back-to-back Cups, his impact on the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Bryan Rust, but more importantly, for his love and loyalty to the organization. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but as we continue to navigate the Penguins through this transitional period, we felt it was the best course forward for all involved."

It's clear the way Sullivan's exit is being handled that the Penguins want both show respect to a coach who led Pittsburgh to back-to-back Stanley Cups, but also recognize that this further signifies a new era for the franchise.

Thank you, Sully. pic.twitter.com/oLSswZ0Mar
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 28, 2025

But after guiding the Penguins to major success early in his tenure, Sullivan's team started to steadily decline in recent seasons, culminating in missing the playoff three straight years. The Penguins have not finished higher than fifth in the Metropolitan Division since their last playoff appearance.

In addition to the recent slide down the standings as the core players from the Cup teams aged, the Penguins last series win came in 2018. The recent seasons don't diminish winning multiple championships, but do show a stark difference in the last five years compared to how he started his decade in Pittsburgh.

Even though Sidney Crosby is sill widely regarded as one of the most complete players in hockey - he scored 33 goals and totaled 91 points this past season, Sullivan defenders can point to the decline of his legendary co-star Evgeni Malkin as well as the lack of consistency on defense and in net as bigger issues than coaching.

However, Sullivan critics can also argue he benefited from a stacked lineup full of more All-Star than most teams were blessed with when he won big, too.

Some believe Sullivan has shown a stubbornness to develop younger players during a clear rebuilding period and that has made him seem at odds with upper management. But no matter what report about contract demands anyone may believe, a parting of ways was the right call.

Pittsburgh is a long way from contending for another Stanley Cup. Fans may want one last run with Crosby, but that's unlikely. As Dubas is tasked with rebuilding the lineup and stockpiling young talent, Sullivan no longer seemed to align with the current state of the franchise.

This parting of ways now allows the Penguins to fully embrace their rebuild and also grant Sullivan, 57, an opportunity to find a new team more willing to invest in him as a proven winner.

Dubas even alluded to his belief Sullivan can still be successful as an NHL coach, but plans for the future of the Penguins just didn't match up anymore.

"Someone can be a great head coach and they'll move on and be great in their next role, and it can also be time for a change," Dubas said.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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