Despite comments to the contrary last week, Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas said yesterday he knew during the season that the time had come to say goodbye to Mike Sullivan. The Pens announced yesterday that Sullivan and the team would part ways.
Dubas says Sullivan will be a great catch for some other team.
There are plenty of candidates for the Penguins’ job, from veteran NHL coaches to college coaches, and even, according to Dubas, European coaches.
He says he’s looking for someone who can develop young talent and coach established stars like Sidney Crosby.
Dubas says he talked with Sidney Crosby briefly before making the move, and while he can’t speak for the team captain, he believes Crosby will still want to play for the Pens.
Sullivan’s 409 victories are by far the franchise record, ahead of Dan Bylsma’s 252.
Assistant coach David Quinn, who came to the Penguins last season, remains, but the contracts of fellow assistants Ty Hennes and Mike Vellucci, along with that of goaltenders coach Andy Chiodo, have expired. If they want to, they will be given the opportunity to interview with the new coach once he is hired.
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