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.

Newly hired New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan made communication his No. 1 priority upon arrival. Sullivan revealed during his introductory press conference on Thursday that he has already spoken directly to every player on the roster, making that his first act as the leader of the Rangers' bench.

Mike Sullivan well accustomed to competing for championships, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. Now with the New York Rangers, those expectations haven't changed whatsoever.