Pittsburgh Penguins' Mike Sullivan Still Elite Coach in NHL - The Hockey News Pittsburgh Penguins News, Analysis and More Skip to main content
Penguins' Mike Sullivan Remains A Top NHL Coach
Penguins' Mike Sullivan Remains A Top NHL Coach

Penguins' Mike Sullivan Still Elite Coach in NHL

2022-23 wasn't great, but the Pittsburgh Penguins still have one of the best coaches in the NHL.
  • Author:
  • Updated:
    Original:

Mike Sullivan didn’t have the greatest showing during the 2022-23 season, but many Pittsburgh Penguins struggled all season.

Despite the poor season from a team perspective, the Penguins are still blessed to have a top five coach in the NHL.

Not only is Sullivan’s job safe for at least another season, but he should be back in the conversation for the Jack Adams Award in no time.

The 2022-23 season was a let down from a number of perspectives, and many wanted to call Sullivan’s coach ability into question.

While his season was far from perfect, Sullivan did the best with what he was given; you could argue that Ron Hextall’s decision making held Sullivan back from greater potential.

Sullivan had to build a team that consisted of an aging Jeff Carter, an underperforming Kasperi Kapanen, and an almost useless Brock McGinn in the bottom six.

Following the trade deadline, Kapanen and McGinn may have left, but Carter was still around with a struggling Mikael Granlund.

Tack on a defensive group that couldn’t put much together night in and night out, and it’s a shock that the Penguins only missed the postseason by a single point.

There is no doubt Kyle Dubas has revamped the Penguins roster and boosted morale throughout the organization.

Dubas’ decisions should have a ripple effect that not only improve the team, but show that Sullivan is still a top coach in the NHL.

Erik Karlsson shores up the defense pretty well, Reilly Smith adds a lot to the top six, and the bottom six takes on a completely new look.

Sullivan should exceed expectations with his new roster and maybe finally get what he deserves in terms of some hardware.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.

Erik Karlsson Boosts Penguins' Defensive Ranking

Key Penguins Projected To Have Improved Season

Multiple Former Penguins Still Available as Free Agents

Former Penguins' Goalie Could Be Popular in Trade Market

Three Penguins Prospects Who Will See NHL Time in 2023-24

Latest Penguins News