There’s nothing quite like seeing a familiar face in a sea full of new people. Mike Sullivan definitely believes so. Or so it seems, as he signed a former player on Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins to join him in his adventure with the New York Rangers. Ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, the Broadway Blueshirts are giving a two-time Stanley Cup champion a chance.
In more ways than one, Sullivan and the Rangers were a match made in heaven. Coming off turbulent performances in the past NHL season, the change of scenery might work wonders for both sides. Now, Sullivan will be arriving at Penn Station in Manhattan fresh off The Burgh.
The Penguins, on the other hand, are headed for a world of uncertainty and darkness as they are projected to be among the bottom of the NHL. As long as Crosby is still in town, there’s a reason to remain hopeful. But even that might be at stake nowadays.
Off to the concrete jungle
Pittsburgh is well past its glory days. A sign of the times that are to come is the recent exodus to the Big Apple. Not only Sullivan, but now two-time Stanley Cup champion Conor Sheary is headed to NYC, as well.
As reported by NHL.com, the Blueshirts are giving Sheary a chance to make the roster, signing him to a professional tryout contract (PTO). If the 33-year-old impresses Sullivan and the staff in Manhattan, he could be on the lineup for the October 7 matchup against—you guessed it—the Penguins.
For old times’ sake
Sheary and Sullivan go way back. An undrafted prospect, Sheary signed with the Pens as a free agent in 2015. Back then, Sullivan had recently been named the head coach for Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate. As fate would have it, Sullivan would take over as interim head coach midway through the season and go on to win the Stanley Cup.
Along with Crosby, Sheary, and company, Sullivan and the Pens would hoist Lord Stanley once again the next season. Combining the two championship runs, Sheary appeared in 45 games, recording 17 points (6G and 11A).
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Since then, Sheary’s NHL career has hit a lull, with short yet mostly unmemorable stints around the league. Including tenures with the Buffalo Sabres, a return to Pittsburgh, and years with the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning. His best memory outside of Pittsburgh was a 43-point season with the Caps. As he gets one more chance to run it back with Coach Sullivan, Sheary hopes to turn back the clock and put on a show under the Broadway lights.