In introducing Mike Sullivan as the 38th head coach in franchise history Thursday, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury acknowledged in his opening remarks his immediate pursuit of the veteran coach when he became available. The well-documented relationship between the two former NHL forwards presumably prompted Drury to do so.

Mike Sullivan has been appointed as the New York Rangers' head coach, securing a record-breaking $32.5 million contract over five years. The two-time Stanley Cup winner, formerly with the Pittsburgh Penguins,