When it comes to recognizing a great NHL coach, it helps when the praise comes from another top-tier bench boss. Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper recently shared his respect for new New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, emphasizing the traits that make Sullivan one of the league’s best.
Both Sullivan and Cooper boast impressive resumes. Sullivan won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017, while Cooper matched that feat with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021. Cooper currently leads all active NHL coaches in winning percentage (.595) and ranks 25th all-time in victories (572). Sullivan isn’t far behind with a .522 win percentage and 479 career wins, placing him 32nd all-time.
The two have a history of facing off on big stages. Sullivan’s Penguins edged out Cooper’s Lightning in the 2016 Eastern Conference Final, while Cooper returned the favor in February 2025, leading Team Canada past Sullivan’s U.S. squad in the 4 Nations Face-Off final.
So what, in Cooper’s eyes, sets Sullivan apart?
“The sign of a good coach, to me, is when the star players are playing super hard,” Cooper told The Athletic. “Sully got his star players in Pittsburgh to play hard, even years into his time there. That’s a great sign.”
Cooper also highlighted how organized Sullivan’s teams always appear, noting that it’s clear his players understand their roles and system—a direct reflection of strong leadership.
Earning Trust from Stars
Sullivan’s ability to gain buy-in from elite players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang helped the Penguins stay competitive, even in recent years when they missed the playoffs. His emphasis on building strong relationships—especially with team leaders—has been key.
“There’s a burden of responsibility that comes with being a top player,” Sullivan said during his Rangers introduction. “When players embrace that, it gives them the chance to be at their best.”
Sullivan hopes to inspire a similar level of commitment from New York’s core group, which includes Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Alexis Lafrenière, and Artemi Panarin—all of whom underperformed at times last season.
A Straight Shooter with Personality
Cooper also complimented Sullivan’s personality and communication style.
“He’s got a lot of ‘no BS’ to him,” Cooper said. “He gets to the point and moves on. But there’s also the guy who can sit down, have a couple beers, and enjoy himself. There’s a fun Sully in there too.”
That balance between being direct and approachable could prove valuable in reinvigorating the Rangers’ locker room after a disappointing campaign.
If Sullivan can establish the same player rapport in New York that he had in Pittsburgh, the Rangers could be poised for a major bounce-back in the 2025–26 season.
