One of the most non-secret, non-denied, can't-be-discussed NHL coaching moves finally became official this afternoon when the Rangers named former Lightning assistant (and Bruins coach) Mike Sullivan as John Tortorella's assistant.
The Rangers tried to make this move when they hired Tortorella in February but the paperwork couldn't be worked out. Instead, assistant GM Jim Schoenfeld took on interim assistant coach duties. When Tortorella was asked about Sullivan during the prospects camp, he hemmed, hawed and finally said he couldn't say anything. Yet.
No word on whether Sullivan will be Tortorella's only assistant along with goalie coach Benoit Allaire but that has to be the assumption. Tortorella said himself he preferred having just one bench assistant.
Press release below.
New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has named Mike Sullivan assistant coach.
Sullivan, 41, begins his first season as an assistant coach with the Rangers after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He served as an assistant coach under John Tortorella with Tampa Bay during the 2007-08 season. Prior to joining the Lightning, Sullivan served as head coach for the U.S. Men's team at the 2007 World Championships in Russia. He also served as assistant coach for the U.S. Men's Olympic Team at the 2006 Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.
Sullivan began his coaching career in 2002 as head coach of the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League (AHL). He led Providence to a 41-17-9-4 record and first place in the AHL's North Division through the team's first 71 games, before being named assistant coach of their parent NHL club, the Boston Bruins. The following season, Sullivan was named head coach of the Bruins (NHL), and led the team to a 41-19-15-7 mark and the Northeast Division title. In two seasons as Boston's head coach, he posted a 70-56-15-23 record in 164 regular season games.
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Sullivan skated in 709 career NHL games in 11 seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, and Phoenix Coyotes, registering 54 goals and 82 assists for 136 points, along with 203 penalty minutes. The Marshfield, Massachusetts native was originally selected by the Rangers in the fourth round, 69th overall, in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He began his NHL career with San Jose in 1991 after spending one season with the San Diego Gulls of the International Hockey League. Prior to turning pro, Sullivan attended Boston University, where he skated in 141 career college games and registered 61 goals and 138 points over four seasons.
http://sharks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=442902
our captain of the future from a few yrs ago signed with san jose
Posted by: LI Joe | July 16, 2009 at 08:44 PM
Presumably, Schoenfeld will go back to Hartford, correct? He'll enjoy working with all of that young talent if he does...That would be one of the best coaching jobs in the country for hockey...
Posted by: chris | July 17, 2009 at 11:33 AM
chris - i think he'll remain as asst gm to sather and also gm of hartford but not coach there
Posted by: LI Joe | July 17, 2009 at 05:35 PM
Speaking of young talent...this is for all of those that may have some insight on the younger guys or anyone that gets to watch Hartford. I was looking at the contracts and the non roster players and I am wondering what chance, if any that Paul Crowder has of making the team? Or Heikkenen? He has played some seasons right so he might be ready for the big club. I am assuming Sanguinetti will at least get a chance out of camp and Del Zotto is still a bit young so what are y'all's thoughts?
Posted by: Keith | July 18, 2009 at 07:45 AM
Did anyone see Fahey was traded yesterday for a young defensemen, Nigel Williams? I think Sangs will end up making the roster and Potter will have the last spot, unless we sign someone. Heikkenen would fit nicely and I think he has a chance to battle out Potter. Kundratek is another guy who might have a shot if he has a good camp.
Posted by: Chris | July 18, 2009 at 08:44 AM