The Chicago Blackhawks have reportedly missed out on hiring Mike Sullivan as their next head coach, with the New York Rangers now closing in on securing him. This comes after their top target, University of Denver head coach David Carle, withdrew his name from consideration—an early setback that could have been offset by landing Sullivan.
Carle, who has achieved significant success with NCAA and World Juniors titles, was a promising candidate. However, Sullivan’s two Stanley Cup championships made him an even more attractive option, particularly to help develop young star Connor Bedard and lead the team through its rebuild.
Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, Sullivan appears to be heading to the Rangers, according to USA Today’s Rangers reporter Vince Z. Mercogliano. New York, alongside the Boston Bruins, had stronger connections to Sullivan and a more immediate playoff outlook, having recently claimed the Presidents’ Trophy. Their competitive edge likely made them more appealing than the rebuilding Blackhawks.
With Sullivan off the table, Chicago will now have to consider its third option for the head coaching role, compounding the disappointment following Carle’s decision. Sullivan’s experience coaching elite talent in Pittsburgh would have made him an ideal leader for guiding the young Blackhawks toward future contention.
