Sullivan Poised to Win Adams Trophy in First Season with Rangers

As the 2025-26 NHL season kicks off, excitement surrounds the Jack Adams Award race. This prestigious award honors the top coach in the league, as chosen by the NHL Broadcasters’ Association. This year, Mike Sullivan, recently appointed coach of the New York Rangers, is among the frontrunners.

Sullivan’s Transition to the Rangers

Mike Sullivan took over as head coach of the Rangers on May 2, following a successful tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins. During his time with the Penguins, he achieved 409 victories, making him the winningest coach in the franchise’s history and secured two Stanley Cup championships.

The Rangers’ recent performance has prompted significant changes. After an impressive run that saw them winning the Presidents’ Trophy, they fell to 11th in the Eastern Conference last season, missing the playoffs entirely. Sullivan’s appointment aims to shift the culture within the team and restore its former glory.

Jack Adams Award Preseason Favorites

In a preseason poll conducted by 15 NHL.com voters, Sullivan emerged as a favorite for the Jack Adams Award. He garnered 36 out of a possible 225 points, including three first-place votes. His key rivals in the running include:

• Andre Tourigny (Utah Mammoth) – 28 points, 2 first-place votes
• Paul Maurice (Florida Panthers) – 26 points, 3 first-place votes
• Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay Lightning) – 21 points, 1 first-place vote
• Martin St. Louis (Montreal Canadiens) – 20 points, 1 first-place vote

These results reflect a competitive landscape as the season begins, highlighting Sullivan’s potential for recognition.

Building Relationships and Expectations

As the Rangers opened their training camp on September 18, Sullivan stressed the importance of building strong relationships with his players. He engaged in discussions with various team leaders, including a personal visit to Sweden to connect with center Mika Zibanejad.

This relationship-building is particularly crucial as the Rangers adjust to changes within the roster. Key players from last season, including defenseman K’Andre Miller and forward Chris Kreider, are no longer with the team. Leadership now falls to Miller, who takes over the captaincy from Jacob Trouba, while Vladislav Gavrikov joins Adam Fox on defense.

The Path Forward

Despite the challenges and the need for a turnaround, Sullivan has expressed his enthusiasm for this new opportunity. He understands the importance of hard work and determination in achieving success.

“It’s hard for me to express in words how excited I am about this challenge and about this opportunity,” he stated recently. “We’re going to have to go out and earn it every day.”

The Rangers will soon face the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center after beginning the season with a loss to the Penguins. All eyes are on Sullivan as he looks to navigate this pivotal season and potentially claim the Jack Adams Trophy in his very first year with the Rangers.