Sullivan fares well in coaching ranking

The Metropolitan Division is well-represented with some of the best coaches in the NHL

In lieu of ranking the coaches in the Metropolitan Division this season, the NHL released a list of their top-16. Leaning into that, here’s some thoughts about that list.

Is it a surprise that Mike Sullivan, at fifth overall, was the highest ranked coach in the division. It speaks to his reputation and perception around the league, even if a growing percentage of Penguin fans are growing tired of the stability/complacency (pick your word based on your perspective) of the coaching position in Pittsburgh.

“Sullivan, No. 5 on my list, is a proven winner and his resume shows it. His 375 wins with the Penguins are the most by any coach in franchise history and he is tied for fourth in regular-season victories in the NHL since taking over in Pittsburgh on Dec. 12, 2015, when he quickly led the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. He is one of just three United States-born coaches to have 400 NHL wins (Peter Laviolette, John Tortorella). He’ll be representing his country for the fifth time when he coaches at the 4 Nations Face-Off, and then again at the 2026 Olympics. Well-deserved honors, for sure.” — Brian Compton, managing editor

Carolina’s Rod Brind’Amour was behind Sullivan in sixth place, though based on the point scoring system Sullivan (171 points) was closer to third place Bruce Cassidy (180) than Brind’Amour (160) was to Sullivan.

NYR’s Peter Laviolette was in seventh place to make for three Metropolitan coaches in a row. Philadelphia’s John Tortorella appeared in 11th, after a surprisingly decent year with the Flyers last season. New Jersey’s new coach Sheldon Keefe was ranked 15th.

NYI’s Patrick Roy appeared in the “others receiving votes” area, and would have been 17th. Washington’s Spencer Carbery and and CBJ’s Dean Evason picked up just a few mentioned at the very bottom of the list, to make all of the division coaches get a mention, as 24 of the 32 coaches were named, speaking to a division full of good coaches at the moment.

If this were the stock market it would be time to buy low on Keefe and Carbery, at least judging on the off-season player moves made by the Devils and Capitals. Coming off his run in Toronto, Keefe could be a dark horse redemption Jack Adams type of candidate if he can right the ship in New Jersey and get them back to playoff contention. One would think that is on the table with the additions of Brett Pesce and Jacob Markstrom to strengthen areas of need.

Sullivan ranking so high is a testament to his career achievements and also a reminder of how perception of top coaches doesn’t change after a period of unimpressive regular season results lately. Pittsburgh ownership, management and players have always been in his corner and league-wide that type of respect is still there for the Penguin coach.