The 2024-25 season was supposed to be a renaissance; instead, it became a requiem. For the Pittsburgh Penguins, it was the bitter end of a weary road — a season where hopes dwindled faster than winter daylight. Finishing a dismal second-to-last in the Metropolitan Division, the Penguins not only missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs but watched their dreams unravel thread by painful thread. Yet, as grim as the standings were, they weren’t the only shadows gathering over Pittsburgh. Earlier in the year, a fresh wave of uncertainty swept through when whispers grew louder — the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the franchise’s stewards, were reportedly looking to part with a minority stake. It was NHL insider Kevin Weekes who first broke the uneasy silence, and today, he returned with news that shook the very core of Penguins Nation.
Earlier today, Kevin Weekes delivered what felt like the final somber note to the Penguins’ turbulent symphony — head coach Mike Sullivan and the club have mutually agreed to part ways. Their storied relationship, born in December 2015, has now reached its poignant close after nearly a decade of battles fought, banners raised, and legacies carved. Under Sullivan’s steady hand, Pittsburgh soared to glorious heights, claiming back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, cementing his name in the franchise’s golden chapters. But as with all great eras, the final curtain must fall — and today, it did, quietly but profoundly.
Taking to Twitter, Weekes wrote, “I also reported FSG exploring potential sale of at least a minority stake of the @penguins. Curious to see if/ how this may impact their new HC. Also, Sullivan’s availability immediately shakes up the Coaches’ Carousel . #LetsGoPens #HockeyX”.
I also reported FSG exploring potential sale of at least a minority stake of the @penguins . Curious to see if/ how this may impact their new HC. Also, Sullivan’s availability immediately shakes up the Coaches’ Carousel . #LetsGoPens #HockeyX https://t.co/QQ4lfwubJ8
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) April 28, 2025
The year was 2021 when Fenway Sports Group made a power move that sent ripples through the hockey world — acquiring a controlling stake in the Pittsburgh Penguins for a hefty $900 million from none other than Ron Burkle and beloved club icon Mario Lemieux. Fast forward to today, and FSG finds itself at another crossroads. Though they are reportedly shopping a minority stake in the franchise, their commitment to maintaining controlling interest remains firmly intact. Interestingly, this isn’t unfamiliar territory for FSG. In 2023, they took a similar path across the Atlantic with their English Premier League jewel, Liverpool FC. As with any seismic ownership shift, the current deal involving the Penguins would only become official once it passes under the watchful eyes of the NHL’s Board of Governors.
Amid the backdrop of faltering results and sweeping changes in the organization’s inner sanctum, a major chapter came to a respectful end. Mike Sullivan, the man who had helmed the Pittsburgh Penguins through triumphs and trials alike, agreed to mutually part ways with the team. The bittersweet news came courtesy of Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, who took a moment to publicly thank Sullivan for his remarkable tenure and unwavering dedication to the franchise’s identity over the years.
Heartwarming tributes pour in for Mike Sullivan, post-Pittsburgh Penguins exit
Over the course of his time with the Penguins, Sullivan created a club record for the most wins by a coach. With 409 wins under his belt for the team, Sullivan departs as one of the club’s icons. Even as the club found it difficult to part ways with a legendary coach like Sullivan, the end was imminent.
Thanking Sullivan for his contribution to the team, Dubas said, “On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and City of Pittsburgh over the past decade. Mike is known for his preparation, focus, and fierce competitiveness. I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to his dedication to this franchise for the past two seasons. He will forever be an enormous part of Penguins history.”
After Sullivan’s exit, the names of the likes of Peter Laviolette, John Tortorella, Joel Quenneville, and David Carle are doing the rounds in the media to replace Sullivan. While it won’t be a cakewalk for anyone to fill in the shoes of Sullivan, it remains to be seen how the Pittsburgh Penguins perform next season under a new coach.
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