*Photo from AP News*
The Pittsburgh Penguins are continuing the course of keeping the gang around. The Penguins have signed their head coach Mike Sullivan to a 3 year contract extension, according to an announcement on Tuesday by the Penguins.
Penguins GM Ron Hextall said that "Mike is one of the top coaches in the National Hockey League, and it was important for us to have him signed long term. He is a great leader that finds success through communication, honesty, and accountability. We know that Sully is committed to continuing a winning culture here in Pittsburgh."
Entering the season, Sullivan was already under contract for multiple more seasons. His new contract extension starts when the 2024-2025 season begins, and it expires after the 2026-2027 season. Sullivan has been the Penguins head coach since December of 2015.
Sullivan said of his extension that "I don't take one day for granted. This organization means so much to me. We've been able to accomplish a lot in my tenure here together with the coaching staffs that I've had the privilege of being a part of and the players that have been here. I've been surrounded by such great people. I've had the luxury of, I think, inheriting a standard of excellence, a certain culture that has been developed here in Pittsburgh. Quite frankly, I feel a certain responsibility to be the custodian of that, try to further develop that culture."
After taking over behind the bench, Sullivan quickly led the Penguins to back to back Stanley Cup Titles, winning in the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons. Sullivan has led the Penguins to the playoffs in every season behind the bench, although recent struggles have kept the Penguins from getting very far once they make it there.
Last season, Sullivan led the Penguins to a 46-25-11 record, finishing in 3rd place in the Metropolitan Division. He picked up his 297th career win last season, the most regular season wins in team history. The Penguins were eliminated by the New York Rangers in 7 games in the first round last postseason.
Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry, who owns the Penguins, said that "This is a wonderful day for the entire organization with Mike committing to remain as head coach for the long term with the Penguins. He has clearly demonstrated what an effective leader he is and it's evident how well players respond to his philosophy and work ethic night after night, month after month."
So far this offseason, the Penguins have re-signed key players Bryan Rust, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang to new contracts, with superstar Sidney Crosby under contract for 3 more seasons.
Comments
Post a Comment