PHILADELPHIA – When Mike Sullivan took up the head coaching role with the Rangers, the idea of a “realignment” wasn’t something he was particularly focused on.
Transitioning from a Penguins squad that was more in a rebuilding phase, he figured he’d hit the ground running in New York.
But then, on Friday, Rangers president and GM Chris Drury sent a letter to fans expressing their disappointment and announcing that major changes were on the horizon.
There had been various reports suggesting that Sullivan’s exit from Pittsburgh was tied to disagreements about the team’s timeline for success, and now, here he was, facing a similar situation in New York.
“I get the process, I really do,” Sullivan said Saturday morning before the Rangers faced the Flyers at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“What I want to share is my commitment to moving this organization forward. I’ve been in close contact with Chris throughout this process. Our relationship is very transparent, and I’m determined to do my best to push the team ahead. I’m looking to take charge of what I can control and aim to be the best coach for the Rangers,” he added.
In the days to come, the Rangers are expected to explore trade options vigorously.
Players like Artemi Panarin, who’ve provided memorable moments for the team and its supporters, could be traded during the Olympic break or leading up to the March 6 deadline.
This scenario presents a challenge for Sullivan, who needs to manage these transitions effectively.
When asked if he might consider pulling a player from the lineup to avoid injury, Sullivan said that’s definitely part of the game plan.
“We’re going to compete in every game,” he emphasized. “These players are competitive. We are committed to winning every single game ahead of us. That’s the plan.”
Sullivan brushed aside any suggestion that publicizing the Rangers’ business might complicate a coach’s role.
He acknowledged that the team has faced considerable scrutiny for a while now and stressed the need for the players to focus on their performance on the ice.
“Change is something we all know happens in professional sports, especially when expectations aren’t met,” Sullivan reflected on the locker room’s response to Drury’s announcement. “Our team gets that, and honestly, it’s something we all signed up for. Whether or not the players have considered this while we navigate through it, I’m not entirely sure. We’re human, and we understand both the business side and the game.”
“Our goal is to control our effort and attitude. We’re aiming for that collective effort every night and seeing where it leads us.”
