Penguins value consistency with coaching extensions.

Reirden, Vellucci, and Sullivan all get new deals

Since replacing Mike Johnston in December of 2015, all Mike Sullivan has done is win two Stanley Cups and appear in eight consecutive postseasons. Around the NHL, coaches have a very short shelf life, but Sullivan has only been out-tenured by Jon Cooper in Tampa. The Penguins chose to extend Sullivan through the 2026-27 NHL season, by giving him a 3-year extension.

This announcement came a few days after announcing an extension for Mike Vellucci. Vellucci coaches the forward group and penalty kill. The PK finished 3rd in the NHL last season, with a 84.4% success rate. Prior to joining the Pens, Vellucci coached the Charlotte Checkers to the Calder Cup in 2018-19. He then joined the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins before being promoted to the NHL club in 2020.

The team also promoted Todd Reirden to Associate Coach, along with his two year contract extension. Reirden works primarily with the Defenseman, as well as organizing the Power Play. When fully healthy, the Pens are very formidable on the Power Play. Along with this threat, the Pens have become a smothering team to play against, ranking 5th last season with a 2.71 GAA.

Reirden was linked to a few head coaching vacancies this past offseason, and will likely garner more attention in the future. His reputation of transforming veteran defenseman is renowned across the league. Given Vellucci’s stellar record in the AHL, it wouldn’t be surprising if he don’t soon get a shot in the NHL.

For now, the Pens look to keep the staff in tact for the duration of the Crosby-Malkin Era.