The winds of change have swept through Madison Square Garden, and the New York Rangers have landed a coach long rumored to be on their radar—Mike Sullivan. The two-time Stanley Cup champion brings credibility, experience, and a coaching pedigree built on structure, discipline, and player development. With Sullivan now at the helm, don’t be surprised if the Rangers begin targeting players who’ve already thrived under his guidance.
As New York enters a pivotal offseason with roster flexibility and a desire to take the next step toward a championship, familiar faces from Sullivan’s past could help ease the transition. Whether through free agency or shrewd bargain deals, these are players who know his systems, understand his expectations, and could step in and contribute immediately.
In the first of a two-part series, we spotlight five unrestricted free agents with a history under Mike Sullivan who could be appealing additions to the Rangers this summer.
1. Matt Grzelcyk – A Mobile Option for the Blue Line
Grzelcyk may not have the size most NHL GMs crave on the back end, but he checks nearly every other box for a modern defenseman. A Boston University product and U.S. National Team Development Program alum, Grzelcyk’s puck-moving ability, vision, and hockey IQ make him a strong candidate for a team looking to enhance transition play and power-play depth.
After a somewhat inconsistent final season in Boston, Grzelcyk found renewed form in Pittsburgh, where he quietly posted near half-a-point per game under Sullivan’s watch. At 5’9″, he may face questions about his fit in the Rangers’ defensive mold, but his offensive instincts and familiarity with Sullivan’s structure could make him a solid complement to someone like Adam Fox in a top-four role.
In a free agent class thin on impact defensemen outside of names like Vladislav Gavrikov or Ivan Provorov, Grzelcyk could present one of the better value signings—if the Rangers are willing to lean into skill over size.
2. Conor Sheary – Depth Scoring with Championship Pedigree
A two-time Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh, Conor Sheary was one of the more reliable bottom-six forwards during Sullivan’s peak years with the Penguins. His ability to contribute offensively while staying responsible defensively makes him a low-risk, high-reward target for the Rangers’ third line.
Sheary is unlikely to command a big contract, and his past chemistry with Sullivan could make him a natural plug-and-play addition—especially if the Rangers lose depth pieces like Kaapo Kakko or Barclay Goodrow in cap-related moves.
3. Brian Dumoulin – Veteran Stability on the Blue Line
Dumoulin, a long-time stalwart of the Penguins’ defense corps under Sullivan, brings size, reach, and positional discipline. While no longer in his prime, the 6’4″ blueliner could be an ideal partner for one of the Rangers’ younger defensemen, providing mentorship and a steady presence.
If the Rangers are looking to offset some of their more offensive-leaning defenders with a stay-at-home type, Dumoulin offers familiarity with Sullivan’s system and the temperament of a seasoned playoff performer.
4. Evan Rodrigues – A Versatile Forward Option
Rodrigues had his best NHL seasons under Mike Sullivan, thriving in Pittsburgh’s top six and showing the kind of versatility coaches love—capable of playing center or wing, on the power play or penalty kill. He’s not a household name, but Rodrigues brings speed, two-way awareness, and a sneaky good shot.
If the Rangers are reshaping their middle-six forward group, Rodrigues could be a cost-effective option with upside. His ability to slide up and down the lineup makes him a particularly useful tool in Sullivan’s hands.
5. Casey DeSmith – Goaltending Insurance
Though Igor Shesterkin remains firmly entrenched as the Rangers’ No. 1 goaltender, adding a reliable backup is always a priority. DeSmith, who spent several seasons as Sullivan’s backup in Pittsburgh, could provide exactly that. He knows the workload, understands what’s required in a tandem, and has delivered solid performances when called upon.
With Jonathan Quick’s future uncertain, DeSmith offers a proven and familiar alternative behind Shesterkin—one who won’t need much of a learning curve under the new regime.
The Sullivan Effect
It’s not uncommon for coaches to bring in players they trust when starting fresh with a new team. What Mike Sullivan has that few others do is a legacy of winning and a clear system that players have succeeded in. For Rangers GM Chris Drury, adding one or two players familiar with Sullivan’s approach could help smooth the transition and reinforce the culture he wants to build.
As the offseason unfolds, don’t be surprised if the Rangers’ signings have a distinct Penguins flavor. After all, success often follows familiarity—and in the case of Sullivan, that could be the edge New York needs.
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