Penguins Sign Mike Sullivan to a Four-Year Extension

The Penguins signed coach Mike Sullivan to a four-year contract extension today, in the process draining much of the remaining drama from what has thus far been a fairly eventful summer for the black and gold. Financial terms of the contract, which runs through the 2023-24 season, were not disclosed.

Since taking over for Mike Johnston in December 2015, the 51-year-old Marshfield, Massachusetts native has guided the Pens to a record of 174-92-34 and 382 points, third-most of any coach in team history, and back-to-back Stanley Cups.

“Mike has done a great job delivering four 100-plus point seasons with our team,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said. “To win back-to-back Stanley Cups in this era speaks volumes of him as a coach. His instincts in managing the inter-workings of our team both on and off the ice has been impressive.”

Still, Sullivan’s performance appeared to slip during the past season and playoffs amid rumors that he’d lost the team, leading to speculation in some circles that the Pens might not extend the veteran skipper. Too, the recent hiring of Calder Cup winning-coach Mike Vellucci at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton hinted that “Sully” might be replaced in-season should the team falter.

The extension puts those thoughts to rest…for now.

“Mike has proven he is a tremendous leader for our team,” said Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse. “Our trust in him as a coach has continued to grow since winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in his first two years. Mike has a championship mindset and he is the right guy for our team, the organization and the city of Pittsburgh.”

Puckpourri

Seeking to bolster their organizational depth, the Penguins re-signed restricted free-agent Joseph Blandisi on July 3 to a one-year, two-way contract worth $700,000 at the NHL level. A feisty forward cut from the same cloth as newcomer Brandon Tanev, Blandisi can play center or left wing.

Acquired from Anaheim on January 17 for journeyman Derek Grant, the 25-year-old Markham, Ontario native registered six hits in six games with the Pens following his arrival. He totaled nine goals and 20 points (and 58 penalty minutes) in 27 games at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

“Joe has NHL talent,” said Pens assistant GM Bill Guerin. “He has a high skill level and is a very competitive guy. There’s no reason why Joe can’t push to play in the NHL full time.”

The Pens also extended qualifying offers to forwards Zach Aston-Reese, Teddy Blueger and Adam Johnson along with defenseman Marcus Pettersson. The latter tallied 19 points in 57 games with the black and gold last season to finish 10th in the voting for the Calder Trophy (top rookie).

Rutherford will likely need to part with another body before all is said and done to make room under the salary cap of $81.5 million…less than originally projected. Forwards Nick Bjugstad ($4.1 million AAV), Bryan Rust ($3.5 mil) and much-maligned defenseman Jack Johnson ($3.25 mil) are rumored as the most likely candidates to be on the move.