Bruins after dark

The Boston Bruins lose out on Mike Sullivan, their top coaching candidate, after the New York Rangers moved quickly to make his hiring official.

Mike Sullivan is heading back to Broadway.

The New York Rangers announced today that they’ve hired Sullivan as their new head coach, confirming the speculation that had swirled since his exit from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

While the Boston Bruins had also been circling, hoping to bring in the veteran bench boss, the Rangers didn’t wait around.

Sullivan instantly became one of the most sought-after names on the market after being let go by Pittsburgh.

The Bruins were reportedly very interested, and for good reason.

Sullivan is a two-time Stanley Cup champion who brings structure, presence, and postseason experience—exactly the type of figure Boston had hoped would guide the next phase of their locker room.

But from the start, there was a growing belief that the Rangers had the edge.

I’ve gotten messages from NHL general managers already this morning saying ‘Does Mike Sullivan end up in New York today or tomorrow?’ I think it is one of those things that could be locked up within the next 42 to 78 hours,

one insider told reporters yesterday.

They didn’t even need that long.

By midday, the Rangers had made it official: Sullivan is their new head coach—the 38th in franchise history.

Bruins left hunting as top target joins division rival

For Bruins fans, this one hits hard. Sullivan wasn’t just a top name; he was the name. Multiple sources had him pegged as Boston’s preferred option, and his New England roots only added to the appeal.

But Elliotte Friedman, who was all over the story from the beginning, warned this would be tough:

I cannot imagine [the New York Rangers] allowing anyone to outdo themselves in the pursuit of Sullivan,

That prediction held up. The Rangers moved swiftly and decisively, putting Boston in a tough spot as they scramble to find a new lead voice behind the bench.

There’s no shortage of potential candidates still out there—some experienced, others up-and-coming—but none carry the same cachet Sullivan does. His hiring shifts the balance in the East and leaves Boston fans wondering what could’ve been.

The Rangers welcomed him with a simple message:

Welcome (back) to Broadway, Sully!

Now, the Bruins must pivot. The clock is ticking, and the front office knows they can’t afford to miss on the next hire.

What’s your take? Did the Bruins drop the ball, or was this always going to be New York’s win?