The New York Rangers have hired Mike Sullivan as coach, days after he and the Pittsburgh Penguins .
General manager Chris Drury announced the move Friday, bringing in the organization's top candidate who was out of work for less than a full business week.
鈥淢ike Sullivan has established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the NHL,鈥� Drury said. 鈥淢ike brings a championship-level presence behind the bench. ... As we began this process and Mike became an available option for us to speak with, it was immediately clear that he was the best coach to lead our team.鈥�
Sullivan replaces Peter Laviolette, after the Rangers following a trip last year. Sullivan, who coached Pittsburgh to the Stanley Cup back to back in 2016 and 鈥�17, is tasked with trying to turn the Rangers back into an immediate contender.
Drury made the move to get Sullivan not long after of his own.
鈥淢ike鈥檚 track record and success in the NHL and internationally speaks for itself, and I look forward to seeing him behind the Rangers bench," owner James Dolan said. "I would like to welcome Mike back to the Rangers organization.鈥�
Sullivan, 57, spent four seasons as a Rangers assistant under then-coach and still close friend and confidant John Tortorella from 2009-13. He coached Drury during that time, and the two have worked together professionally through USA Hockey, most recently at the in February, and are part of the .
Tortorella 鈥� as coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in late March 鈥� could be a candidate to join Sullivan on his staff, as he did at the 4 Nations, but no assistant hires were confirmed Friday and the organization is expected to discuss those openings in the coming days.
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AP NHL:
Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press
