Coyotes promote Steve Sullivan to Assistant GM

It was reported today that the Arizona Coyotes have tapped Director of Player Development Steve Sullivan to be their new assistant general manager. Sullivan joins assistant GM Chris O’Hearn, who was hired in 2015 along with current GM John Chayka.

Sullivan initially joined the Coyotes as a player and potential replacement for Ray Whitney for the 2012-13 season. That didn’t turn out the way anyone hoped and in 33 games with the Coyotes, Sullivan tallied 5 goals and 7 assists and was ultimately dealt at the trade deadline to the New Jersey Devils for a 7th round pick.

The Coyotes clearly got along well with Sullivan despite trading him, and on September 8th, 2014 he was signed as the Coyotes’ Development Coach, a position he held until he was ultimately promoted to the Director of Player Development.

Although the Coyotes’ under-performed last season, the younger players were a bright spot, and Sullivan definitely played a big role in that. Sullivan brings knowledge and experience to the role as Assistant General Manager and seems to know the prospects and rookies better than anyone on the team. While most people had written Brendan Perlini off as a bust before last season, Sullivan was singing his praises and foresaw a future in the NHL after some time in the AHL.

Arizona Coyotes official statement here.