The Pittsburgh Penguins have had enough of their recent disappointing NHL seasons, prompting a major change as Mike Sullivan, who coached the team to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017, and the organization agreed to part ways. As the Pens gear up for a pivotal offseason, Sidney Crosby and the rest of the team have yet to learn who will be behind the bench next.
Despite featuring Crosby and other stars in their lineup, the Penguins have failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of their last three NHL campaigns. Moreover, Pittsburgh’s last playoff series win was during the 2017-18 season, when they were knocked out by the Washington Capitals in the Second Round.
Since then, the Penguins and their fanbase have endured very short postseasons — if any — and long, dreadful springs and summers until hockey returns in October. Changes were needed, and with several franchises around the NHL eager to sign Sullivan, it made sense for both parties to part ways after nearly a decade together.
There is consensus around the NHL that it won’t take long for Sullivan to find a new home in the league. However, a bigger question mark lies within the Penguins, which are now embarking into the offseason without a replacement for Sullivan. Options abound, nevertheless, and the prospect of coaching Crosby is one that might outweigh every other concern about the Penguins’ roster.
Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan answers questions during an interview after the First Round Stanley Cup Playoff game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers on April 18, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.
On that note, some of the biggest names in the coaching carousel include: Peter Laviolette, John Tortorella, Joel Quenneville, and David Carle. Rick Tocchet has yet to make a decision about his future with the Vancouver Canucks, but could easily enter the race if he becomes available.
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An alternative to coaching carousel
Although it sounds less appealing for fans, the Penguins might down a different route: promoting Kirk MacDonald, the AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins head coach, to the NHL head coach job.
It would be fitting, as Sullivan was promoted by the organization from his head coach position in the AHL to succeed Mike Johnston behind the bench for the NHL Penguins in December 2015. He’d go on to hoist the Stanley Cup, becoming the sixth coach in league history to accomplish such feat after being hired mid-season.
Peter Laviolette has been fired by the New York Rangers after two seasons with the team. He is now a name to watch for as the Penguins search for a new head coach.
Show conviction
While the Penguins shouldn’t rush their head coaching decision, they cannot waste much time, either. Plus, the organization must show Crosby and the rest of the team they know what they’re doing. If the team’s legends sense panic within the front office, then it sets off a domino effect, which could very well end in the worst scenario for the team: Crosby’s exit to a contender.
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The 37-year-old idol in The Steel City has made it clear he wishes to stay in town, yet that could all change if he senses little to no hope going into the 2025-26 season. Sid the Kid is under contract through the 2026-27 season, but the noise surrounding Crosby will be unbearable if GM Kyle Dubas and the Penguins fail to establish some solid ground for their plan.
