In his introductory press conference as the new head coach of the New York Rangers, Mike Sullivan avoided going into tactical details, instead emphasizing broader themes—chief among them, his partnership with general manager Chris Drury.
Sullivan, named the 38th head coach in franchise history, expressed strong enthusiasm about working closely with Drury. “I’m really excited about building a partnership with Chris,” he said, highlighting their shared vision for the team’s future.
Their relationship isn’t new. Both are alumni of Boston University (though they attended at different times) and have a long history together—from playing on the same U.S. World Championship team to working together on various Team USA staffs, most recently for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Sullivan also previously served as a Rangers assistant coach during Drury’s final playing years as team captain.
Sullivan emphasized that the coach-GM relationship is critical to organizational success. “My experience has taught me that this connection is really important,” he said. “We have to work together, share the same vision, and pursue the same goals.”
Drury echoed that sentiment with a personal anecdote from the 1997 World Championships, when a then-college-aged Drury was nervous on the team bus—until Sullivan, a veteran player, sat beside him and helped him feel at ease. That moment stuck with Drury and reflects the leadership that has made Sullivan successful, including two Stanley Cup wins and a record-setting 409 victories as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“It’s already a great relationship,” Drury added. “And I think it’s only going to get better.”
