When the New York Rangers hired Mike Sullivan as their new head coach, the move came with high expectations and drew plenty of interest.
Sullivan is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins who is now taking over what used to be the Peter Laviolette era for the Rangers. The new head coach was undoubtedly hired by President and General Manager Chris Drury to end the three decade long championship drought. And while the immediate focus will be wins and playoff success, Sullivan's tenure could also put him in reach of several historic Rangers' coaching records if he enjoys a long run behind the bench.
A message from Mike Sullivan: pic.twitter.com/YBRizdCI1v
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 8, 2025
At only 57 years old and with an ideal trajectory of at least 10-plus years, here's a list of four Rangers' specific coaching records Sullivan could come after, and if successful, become the greatest Rangers coach ever.
Most regular season games coached (654)
This particular record belongs to Emile Francis, who guided the Rangers for 654 games between 1966 and 1975. His tenure is remember by the phrase, "we did everything but win." He got the team close to a title on a few occasions, and is held in high regard by the organization.
Sullivan already showed his remarkable staying power in Pittsburgh, where he lasted ten seasons. If his time in New York lasts eight seasons, he will surpass Francis' mark and become the longest-tenured coach in franchise history.
Most playoff games coached (75)
Another milestone within Sullivan’s reach is the Rangers’ record for most playoff games coached — also held by Francis with 75. This will be in reach because the idea is for Sullivan to lead the team to playoff success, and if he does that, he will stick around in New York.
Sullivan has already shown an ability to guide teams on deep postseason runs, having taken Pittsburgh to the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years and winning twice. If Sullivan consistently keeps the team in the postseason and strings together multiple long runs, surpassing Francis’s mark is very realistic.
A trip to the playoffs, especially with a roster possessing more motivation after missing them entirely just last season, over a few consecutive years would put him within striking distance of this record sooner than later.
Most regular season wins (342)
Francis comes up again, no real surprise given his tenure with the organization.. Sullivan is already one of the winningest active coaches in the NHL, capturing 409 victories during his Pittsburgh years during the regular season. With a strong roster in New York, a coaching staff with whom he's familiar with and who made the move over alongside him and his proven ability to get results, it’s not unrealistic to imagine him challenging this total if he averages around 40 to 45 wins per season across eight or more seasons.
Most playoff wins (34)
Sullivan could also challenge the Rangers’ mark for most playoff wins as a head coach, a record of 34 currently held once again by Francis.
Given his postseason pedigree — 44 playoff wins and the previously mentioned two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh — Sullivan knows how to navigate the intensity of spring hockey. Expecting him to break this record alongside the others only makes sense, especially when you factor into consideration it seems everyone is enthusiastic to have Sullivan around for what seems to be a long time.