Mike Sullivan agreed to a three-year contract extension as coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.
The contract will start in the 2024-25 season and run through 2026-27.
“It’s an honor to coach this team,” Sullivan said. “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 staff 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.”
The Penguins (46-25-11) finished third in the Metropolitan Division last season and lost to the New York Rangers in seven games in the Eastern Conference First Round. It was the fourth straight season the Penguins failed to win a series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Penguins agreed to terms with the forward Bryan Rust, 30, on a six-year, $30.75 million contract ($5.125 million average annual value) on May 23; agreed to terms with defenseman Kris Letang, 35, on a six-year, $36.6 million contract ($6.1 million AAV) on July 7; and signed forward Evgeni Malkin36, to a four-year, $24.4 million contract ($6.1 million AAV) on July 12, keeping three key players from those championship teams.
Speaking of Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup window and championship core members Letang, Malkin and 35-year-old center Sidney Crosbywho has three seasons remaining on a 12-year, $104.4 million contract ($8.7 million AAV), Sullivan said, “I believe these guys can still play. They’ve shown no signs, I think, of decline. I have the opportunity to watch these guys every day. I know the sacrifices they make. As I said, it’s not by accident these guys are as good as they are and as accomplished as they are. They’re three of the most driven athletes that I’ve They’re willing to put in the work from a training standpoint, a fitness standpoint, a lifestyle standpoint, so that they can continue to play at a high level.
“As I’ve said on a number of occasions, I’m probably stating the obvious that we’re probably getting a bit older, but we’re not old. There’s a big difference. There’s still elite play in these guys. They ‘ve shown it year in and year out. I believe we have an opportunity to win again. I believe in these guys. I just think they’re that good, they’re that driven.”
Sullivan is 297-156-24 in seven seasons since being named Penguins coach on Dec. 12, 2015. Pittsburgh has made the playoffs every season during his tenure, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017.
“Mike is one of the top coaches in the National Hockey League and it was important for us to have him signed long term,” said general manager Ron Hextall. “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.”
Sullivan is 367-212-77 with 15 ties in nine seasons as coach of the Penguins and Boston Bruins (2003-06); His teams have made the playoffs eight times.
“This is a wonderful day for the entire organization with Mike committing to remain as head coach for the long term with the Penguins,” Fenway Sports Group principal owner John Henry said. “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.”
NHL.com independent correspondent Wes Crosby contributed to this report
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