Sullivan's relationship with Kessel is the best "it's ever been"
Much has been made this off-season of the relationship between Sullivan and superstar winger Phil Kessel. On Friday, Sullivan cleared up any misconceptions.
"My relationship has been the same for three seasons now. It hasn't changed. It's evolved," Sullivan said. "It's one of mutual respect. That's how I see it. I like Phil a lot as a person and a hockey player. He's been a big part of the Pittsburgh Penguins' success over the last three seasons.
"The reality is our relationship is as good as it's ever been."
Sprong will get his shot
During the Pens' year-end availability, Rutherford said he expected forward Daniel Sprong to be in Pittsburgh for the upcoming season. Sullivan concurred, but added that any opportunity for Sprong will have to be earned.
"He's a guy that we're excited about," Sullivan said. "We believe he is an NHL-caliber player. Training camp will be very important for all of our players, Daniel included, to try to help us decide who the best payers are that are going to help us win games.
"We have high expectations of Daniel because we think he's a real good player. We think his game has evolved. He's a guy that we think moving forward can help this organization win."
Rest has been good for the team
Though the Pens would have much preferred to play hockey well into June and successfully defend their back-to-back titles, the team is also cognizant of the benefits of a longer off-season, especially after consecutive extended seasons.
"It's great for our guys. They had an opportunity to get away from the game a little bit," Sullivan said. "It's an opportunity to re-energize and get excited about the game again.
"Watching other teams compete in the Stanley Cup Final has given me a whole lot of motivation to be one of those teams again. I believe our players feel the same way. Hopefully this summer they're given an opportunity to recover, heal, build their bodies physically through some off-ice strength training, and they'll be excited when training camp starts to play hockey again."
