In a surprising turn of events, Steve Sullivan, the former Maple Leafs forward, is making his way back to Toronto. This time, however, he won’t be stepping onto the ice as a player, but rather as an assistant coach for the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. The announcement was made by the team on Thursday, with Sullivan set to work under head coach John Gruden.
Sullivan, a 50-year-old native of Timmins, Ont., is no stranger to the hockey scene in Toronto. He previously appeared in 154 games with the Leafs from 1997 to 1999, showcasing his skills on the ice after being acquired from the New Jersey Devils in the Doug Gilmour trade. During his time with the team, Sullivan recorded an impressive 35 goals and 50 assists, solidifying his place in Leafs history.
Despite being a ninth-round pick in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Sullivan defied the odds and went on to have a successful career in the NHL. Over the span of 15 seasons, he played in 1,011 games for various teams such as the Devils, Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Phoenix Coyotes. Throughout his career, Sullivan accumulated 290 goals and 457 assists, cementing his legacy as a talented forward.
Following his retirement from professional hockey, Sullivan transitioned into the front office, spending six years with the Coyotes from 2016 to 2021. His wealth of experience both on and off the ice makes him a valuable addition to the Marlies coaching staff, and fans are eager to see how he will contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
The Marlies are gearing up to kick off their 2024-2025 season on Oct. 12, facing off against the San Diego Gulls in what promises to be an exciting match-up. With Sullivan now on board as an assistant coach, the team is looking to build upon their previous successes and make a strong push towards a championship title. Stay tuned for more updates as the Marlies embark on their journey towards victory!
