Sullivan Emerges as Top Contender for Adams Award in Debut Season with Rangers according to Trophy Tracker
The NHL is gearing up for the 2025-26 regular season, and the early spotlight is on Mike Sullivan, newly appointed head coach of the New York Rangers. Sullivan, who took the helm on May 2, previously led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories and amassed 409 wins, the most in franchise history.
Sullivan’s Impact and Expectations
After a disappointing campaign where the Rangers plummeted from the Presidents’ Trophy to 11th in the Eastern Conference, Sullivan’s arrival marks a significant shift in the team’s culture. This adjustment follows the firing of former coach Peter Laviolette on April 19 due to a run of poor performance.
Preseason Favoritism for the Jack Adams Award
In a recent vote by the NHL Broadcasters’ Association, Sullivan emerged as the frontrunner for the prestigious Jack Adams Award, given to the league’s top coach. He garnered 36 points, including three first-place votes. This places him ahead of fellow coaches like Andre Tourigny of the Utah Mammoth, who secured 28 points, and Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers with 26 points.
Voting points breakdown is as follows:
| Coach | Team | Points | First-Place Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Sullivan | Rangers | 36 | 2 |
| Andre Tourigny | Mammoth | 28 | 2 |
| Paul Maurice | Panthers | 26 | 3 |
| Jon Cooper | Lightning | 21 | 1 |
| Martin St. Louis | Canadiens | 20 | 1 |
Building Relationships
As the season progresses, Sullivan focuses on fostering relationships with his players. He made a notable gesture by visiting star player Mika Zibanejad in Sweden, demonstrating an investment in team dynamics. Zibanejad expressed gratitude, emphasizing how important these connections are for team cohesion.
Challenges and Changes Ahead
With significant roster changes, the Rangers face new challenges. Long-time player Chris Kreider is gone, and defensive adjustments see Vladislav Gavrikov paired with Adam Fox. Sullivan’s leadership will be pivotal in steering the team back towards playoff contention.
“Nothing is inevitable in this game. We have to earn it every day,” Sullivan stated, reflecting on the opportunity ahead. As the Rangers prepare for their next matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, all eyes will be on their new coach and the road ahead.
