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Steve Sullivan
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Steve Sullivan (born July 6, 1974), nicknamed "Timmins Tornado", is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played over 1000 games in the National Hockey League for the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Arizona Coyotes. He was also a former coach and executive with the Coyotes.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Sullivan was born on July 6, 1974, in Timmins, Ontario[1] to parents Kenn and Louise.[2] Growing up, Sullivan and his older brother Gary attended École secondaire catholique Thériault.[3]

Playing career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

After being cut from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds training camp, Sullivan joined the Tier II Jr. A Timmins Golden Bears for the 1991–92 season. Sullivan later admitted that this was the right choice because he had not been prepared to play at the OHL level.[4] He finished the 1991–92 season fourth in the Tier II league with 66 goals and 121 points. As such, he began to attract attention from NCAA Division I hockey programs Michigan Tech University and Ferris State University. However, after choosing to play in the Greyhounds' 1992 exhibition games, he forfeited his NCAA eligibility.[5] Sullivan subsequently spent the entirety of the 1992–93 season with the Greyhounds and ranked sixth in team scoring with 36 goals and 27 assists despite playing on the fourth line.[6] His 63 points tied him for second among all rookie scorers. After the Greyhounds finished the regular season as the Emms Division champions, Sullivan was named to the OHL's second rookie all-star team.[7]

After the Greyhounds swept the Peterborough Petes in the 1993 OHL playoffs, Sullivan was scratched for the first two games of their Emms Division semifinal series against Owen Sound in order to rest.[8]

New Jersey Devils

[edit]

Following the 1993–94 season, Sullivan was drafted in the ninth round of the 1994 NHL entry draft by the New Jersey Devils.[9] Sullivan was expected to rejoin the Greyhounds for his overage season but unexpectedly signed a two-way contract with the Devils and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Albany River Rats.[10] Greyhounds general manager later stated that the loss of Sullivan taught the team a "big lesson" about planning for the future.[11] After recording his first professional hat-trick, Sullivan ended the 1994 calendar year leading all AHL rookies in scoring with 19 goals and 21 assists.[12] Albany's head coach Robbie Ftorek praised Sullivan for his playmaking skills and Devils scout David Conte described him as a player who could "put points on the board."[13] As a result of his early success, Sullivan was selected to participate in the 1995 AHL All-Star Game.[14] He finished the regular-season with 32 goals and 84 points to help the River Rats qualify for the 1994 Calder Cup playoffs. He also finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.[15] Sullivan then scored nine goals and 16 assists to help the team clinch the 1995 Calder Cup championship.[1]

Sullivan scored his first NHL goal in his NHL debut on February 23, 1996, against the Montreal Canadiens.[16] He was then briefly reassigned to the minors, where he recorded a hat trick and set a franchise record for most points in a single game.[17] Sullivan was recalled back to the NHL in March after two Devils players were injured. He then scored in his next two NHL games while playing with wingers Reid Simpson and Randy McKay.[18][19] Sullivan credited his easy transition to the NHL level to Devils head coach Jacques Lemaire and the team's similar style to the River Rats.[20] By the end of March, Sullivan had tallied five goals through 12 games.[21] Sullivan returned to the River Rats on April 15[22] after the Devils failed to qualify for the 1996 Stanley Cup playoffs.[23] Despite spending most of the second-half of the 1995-96 season with the Devils,[4] Sullivan ranked third in scoring on the River Rats with 75 points.[23] He was also named to the AHL's 1995–96 First All-Star Team.[24]

During the Devils' 1996 training camp, Sullivan suffered a groin injury that was misdiagnosed as a pulled hip flexor. He was placed on the team's injured reserve list on October 4 and reassigned to the River Rats on October 14.[25] He recorded eight goals and seven assists through 15 AHL games[26] before being recalled to the NHL level on November 1.[27] However, Sullivan began suffering from anxiety and a loss of confidence while playing with the Devils due to his slow start and frequent scratches. He tallied one goal and four assists through his first 10 games but struggled to find a balance between anxiety and anticipation.[26] In January, Lemaire moved Sullivan from centre onto the left wing of Bobby Holik and Dave Andreychuk because of his short stature. In their first three games together, Sullivan tallied two assists and a game-winning goal.[28]

Toronto Maple Leafs

[edit]

On February 25, 1997, Sullivan was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with defenceman Jason Smith and the playing rights to Alyn McCauley in exchange for Doug Gilmour, Dave Ellett, and a third-round draft pick.[4] At the time of the trade, Sullivan had scored eight goals and 14 assists in 33 games.[29] Upon joining the Leafs, Sullivan returned to his natural centre position and played between Tie Domi and Wendel Clark.[30] Domi later compared Sullivan to Theoren Fleury and praised his tenacious playing style.[31] While he recorded six points in his first six games with the Leafs, head coach Mike Murphy expressed his disappointment with Sullivan's lack of "spark" and urged him to play harder.[32] Sullivan was recognized as the NHL's Rookie of the Month after finishing March leading all rookies with four goals and seven assists through 14 games.[33] He finished the regular season with five goals and 11 assists through the Leafs' final 21 games.[34]

Over the offseason, Sullivan reviewed old game footage of himself while he played for the Devils to regain his intensity.[35] He also took responsibility for his inconsistent play the previous season, stating: "I learned a lot from sitting out last year...I took things personally. I put the blame on Mike Murphy when the blame should have been on me."[36] As a restricted free agent, Sullivan signed a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs on September 12, 1998.[37] However, after reinjuring his hip flexors during the preseason, Sullivan was scratched for four of the first five games of the 1998–99 season.[35] While he continued to be scratched throughout October and November due to mediocre play,[36] Sullivan voiced his opinion that this was due to a bias against smaller players in the NHL.[38] Sullivan recorded four goals in the Leafs 9–1 win over the Florida Panthers on April 10, 1999. He tied a Panthers franchise record for most goals scored against them in a single game and reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his NHL career.[39][40] Sullivan missed the last four games of the Leafs first round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to back spasms but returned to the lineup for their second round against the Buffalo Sabres.[41]

Chicago Blackhawks

[edit]

After requesting a trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs placed Sullivan on waivers on October 23, 1999. This was an option for the Maple Leafs because the NHL required teams to waive one player if they signed another team's free agent after the September deadline.[42] Upon joining the Blackhawks, Sullivan was given the jersey number 15 as his usual jersey number was already taken. However, after struggling to score, he requested a change to his junior team jersey number.[43] After the Blackhawks acquired Michael Nylander in late November, the two spent the majority of the season together. In their first game together on December 3, Nylander scored four goals, and Sullivan assisted on three.[44]

On April 14, 2000, Sullivan was one of 14 players named to Team Canada's roster for the 2000 IIHF World Championship.[45] Sullivan recorded his second career NHL hat-trick on December 22, 2000, against the Vancouver Canucks.[46]

Nashville Predators

[edit]
Sullivan with the Predators in 2010.

Sullivan was traded to the Nashville Predators for second-round picks in the 2004 and 2005 NHL entry drafts on February 16, 2004. At the time, he had recorded 15 goals and 28 assists through 56 games.[47] Sullivan recorded a hat trick in his first game with the Predators,[48] and tallied 10 points in his first three games with the team. As a result, he was named the NHL's Offensive Player of the Week for October 9–16, 2005.[49]

In February 2007, Sullivan suffered a debilitating back injury in a game against the Montreal Canadiens that forced him out of action for the remainder of the 2006–07 season, all of the 2007–08 season, and the first half of the 2008–09 season. Sullivan made his comeback on January 10, 2009, against the Chicago Blackhawks after nearly 23 months. Due to his successful comeback during the 2008–09 season, Sullivan was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for his perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.[50]

Pittsburgh Penguins

[edit]

On July 1, 2011, he signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million with the Pittsburgh Penguins.[51] His early form in the 2011–12 season was disappointing, but as the season went on, he became better accustomed to the Penguins' lineup and finished with 48 points in 79 games. He scored two goals in the Penguins opening round playoff loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Final NHL season

[edit]

On July 4, 2012, Sullivan signed a one-year, $1.85 million deal with the Phoenix Coyotes.[52] Signed with the intention to cover the loss of fellow veteran Ray Whitney, Sullivan got off to a quick start with the Coyotes in the lockout shortened 2012–13 season, scoring a hat-trick in his third game to help defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 24, 2013.[53] On March 28, 2013, Sullivan dressed for his 1,000th NHL game.[54] He was honored during the game as the Coyotes defeated the Predators 7-4.[55]

On April 3, 2013, Sullivan was dealt by the Coyotes at the trade deadline to return to his original club, the New Jersey Devils, for a 7th round draft pick.[56] His time between stints with the Devils was 16 years and 45 days, the third longest amount of time between stints with one team in NHL history.[57][58]

Post-playing career

[edit]

On September 8, 2014, the Coyotes announced they had hired Sullivan as their development coach.[59] He was promoted to director of player development on May 26, 2016,[60] and one year later he was promoted to assistant general manager.[61]

On July 26, 2020, Sullivan was named the interim general manager of the Coyotes upon the resignation of John Chayka,[62] running the NHL franchise until Bill Armstrong was hired as the new general manager in September 2020.[63] Less than five months later, Sullivan was let go from this position as assistant general manager and executive vice-president of hockey operations on February 11, 2021.[64][65][66]

In August 2024, Sullivan joined the Toronto Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, as an assistant coach.[67]

Sullivan was hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs as an assistant coach on December 26, 2025, replacing the fired Marc Savard.[68]

Personal life

[edit]

Sullivan and his wife Kristen have four children together.[69] During his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, color commentator Harry Neale nicknamed Sullivan the "Timmins Tornado."[70]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1991–92 Timmins Golden Bears NOJHL 47 66 55 121 141 — — — — —
1992–93 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds OHL 62 36 27 63 44 16 3 8 11 18
1992–93 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds MC — — — — — 4 1 0 1 4
1993–94 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds OHL 63 51 62 113 82 14 9 16 25 22
1994–95 Albany River Rats AHL 75 31 50 81 124 14 4 7 11 10
1995–96 Albany River Rats AHL 53 33 42 75 127 4 3 0 3 6
1995–96 New Jersey Devils NHL 16 5 4 9 8 — — — — —
1996–97 Albany River Rats AHL 15 8 7 15 16 — — — — —
1996–97 New Jersey Devils NHL 33 8 14 22 14 — — — — —
1996–97 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 21 5 11 16 23 — — — — —
1997–98 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 63 10 18 28 40 — — — — —
1998–99 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 63 20 20 40 28 13 3 3 6 14
1999–2000 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 7 0 1 1 4 — — — — —
1999–2000 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 73 22 42 64 52 — — — — —
2000–01 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 81 34 41 75 54 — — — — —
2001–02 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 78 21 39 60 67 5 1 0 1 2
2002–03 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 82 26 35 61 42 — — — — —
2003–04 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 56 15 28 43 36 — — — — —
2003–04 Nashville Predators NHL 24 9 21 30 12 6 1 1 2 6
2005–06 Nashville Predators NHL 69 31 37 68 50 5 0 2 2 0
2006–07 Nashville Predators NHL 57 22 38 60 20 — — — — —
2008–09 Nashville Predators NHL 41 11 21 32 30 — — — — —
2009–10 Nashville Predators NHL 82 17 34 51 35 6 0 3 3 2
2010–11 Nashville Predators NHL 44 10 12 22 28 9 2 1 3 2
2011–12 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 79 17 31 48 20 6 2 4 6 4
2012–13 Phoenix Coyotes NHL 33 5 7 12 20 — — — — —
2012–13 New Jersey Devils NHL 9 2 3 5 4 — — — — —
NHL totals 1,011 290 457 747 587 50 9 14 23 30

International

[edit]
Year Team Event   GP G A Pts PIM
2000 Canada WC 9 4 1 5 14
2001 Canada WC 7 1 2 3 10
Senior totals 16 5 3 8 24

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Steve Sullivan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Steve Sullivan (born July 6, 1974), nicknamed the "Timmins Tornado", is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1995 to 2013, appearing in 1,011 games and accumulating 290 goals and 457 assists for 747 points. Sullivan was selected by the in the ninth round, 233rd overall, of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft after winning the as a member of the in the . His NHL career spanned multiple teams, beginning with the Devils (1995–1997), followed by stints with the (1997–2000), (1999–2004), (2004–2007, 2008–2011), (2011–2012), Phoenix Coyotes (2012), and a return to the Devils (2013). Known for his speed and playmaking ability despite his smaller stature (5 feet 9 inches, 165 pounds), Sullivan achieved seven 60-point seasons, including a career-high 75 points (34 goals, 41 assists) with Chicago in 2000–01. One of Sullivan's most notable accomplishments came in 2009 (for the 2008–09 season), when he won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey, after overcoming a back injury sustained in February 2007 that sidelined him for nearly two seasons. He also participated in the 2004 NHL Game as a representative of the Predators and notched a in his debut for Nashville shortly after being traded there in 2004. Earlier in his career, Sullivan earned a spot on the AHL First Team in 1996 and helped the win the in 1995. Following his retirement in 2013, Sullivan transitioned into hockey operations roles, serving as a development coach and director of player development for the from 2014 to 2017, assistant general manager from 2017 to 2020, and general manager of their AHL affiliate, the , from 2017 to 2021. More recently, he has worked as an assistant coach for the in the AHL (since 2024, as of November 2025) and as a senior advisor for the in the NOJHL. Sullivan's career is remembered for his resilience and contributions as a skilled, undersized forward who overcame significant adversity to become a reliable NHL scorer and leader.

Early life and junior career

Early life

Steve Sullivan was born on July 6, 1974, in , , . Sullivan grew up in a deeply immersed in local hockey, with his father, Kenn Sullivan, serving as a coach for the Timmins A&W Bears Atom AAA minor hockey team. In , when Steve was 13, the family endured a profound tragedy when the team's bus was involved in a fatal collision near Timmins en route to a tournament in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec; three young players—Ali Eren (11), Geoffrey Robert Jones (12), and Sylvain Bradette (11)—along with Bradette's parents, Alain and Lise, were killed after a pickup truck slid on ice and struck the bus. Kenn Sullivan continued coaching minor hockey in Timmins for years afterward, emphasizing fun and safety over competition in the wake of the loss, while avoiding car travel for team outings. From a young age, Sullivan developed a passion for hockey in , playing in the local minor hockey association and quickly standing out for his speed and skill among peers. His fast-paced playing style earned him the enduring nickname "Timmins Tornado," a moniker that reflected his dynamic presence on the ice during his early years in the sport. This foundational exposure in laid the groundwork for his progression into organized junior hockey.

Junior career

Sullivan began his organized junior hockey career with the Golden Bears of the (NOJHL) during the 1991–92 season. Playing in his hometown of , —a community renowned as a hockey hotbed—he recorded 66 goals and 55 assists for 121 points in 47 games, showcasing his scoring prowess at the Tier II Junior A level. In 1992, Sullivan advanced to major junior hockey with the of the (OHL), where he spent the next two seasons from 1992 to 1994. Over 125 regular-season games, he amassed 87 goals and 89 assists for a total of 176 points, with his performance peaking in 1993–94 when he led the team with 51 goals and 62 assists for 113 points in 63 games. In 1993, the won the championship, with Sullivan recording 1 goal in 4 tournament games. Sullivan's offensive talent in the OHL earned him selection by the in the ninth round, 233rd overall, of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. Transitioning to professional hockey immediately after the draft, Sullivan joined the , the Devils' (AHL) affiliate, for the 1994–95 season—his first as a pro. He contributed 31 goals and 50 assists for 81 points in 75 regular-season games, then added 4 goals and 7 assists in 14 playoff contests, aiding the River Rats in capturing the as AHL champions.

NHL playing career

New Jersey Devils

Sullivan made his NHL debut with the on February 23, 1996, against the at the , where he scored his first career on a in a 6-5 victory. The 21-year-old forward, called up from the of the earlier that season, appeared in 16 games during the 1995–96 campaign, recording 5 goals and 4 assists while contributing energy on the wing. In his first full professional season the following year, Sullivan established himself as a speedy winger on the Devils' third line, using his quickness to create scoring chances in a defensive-oriented system under coach . He played 33 games for in 1996–97, tallying 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points, often providing spunk and secondary offense alongside linemates. On February 25, 1997, midway through the season, Sullivan was traded to the as part of a blockbuster deal that sent center to in exchange for Sullivan, defenseman Jason Smith, the rights to prospect , and a conditional third-round draft pick. The move ended his brief tenure with the Devils, where he had shown promise as an up-and-coming forward but was expendable amid the team's push for veteran leadership.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Sullivan was acquired by the from the on February 25, 1997, along with Jason Smith and the rights to , in exchange for , Dave Ellett, and a third-round pick in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He made an immediate impact after the trade, registering 5 goals and 11 assists for 16 points in 21 regular-season games during the 1996–97 season while adapting to his new team. In the following 1997–98 season, Sullivan established himself as a regular, playing 63 games and recording 10 goals along with 18 assists for 28 points. His production rose in the 1998–99 season, as he achieved a career-best 20 goals to go with 20 assists for 40 points in 63 games, showcasing his growing role on the roster. Sullivan gained valuable playoff experience during the 1998–99 postseason, when the Maple Leafs advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round and defeating the New York Rangers in six games in the second round. He contributed 3 goals and 3 assists over 13 games, including his first NHL playoff goal on April 22, 1999, against the Flyers in Game 2 of the first round, and another goal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Buffalo Sabres on May 26, 1999. After requesting a trade, Sullivan was placed on waivers by Toronto on October 23, 1999, and subsequently claimed by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Chicago Blackhawks

Sullivan joined the Chicago Blackhawks via waivers on October 23, 1999, after being claimed from the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking the beginning of his most productive period in the NHL. Over the next five seasons from 1999 to 2004, he established himself as a consistent offensive contributor, appearing in 370 regular-season games and accumulating 118 goals and 185 assists for 303 points. His tenure with the Blackhawks represented a significant step up in production compared to his earlier years, as he benefited from increased ice time and opportunities on skilled forward lines during a rebuilding phase for the team. Sullivan reached the peak of his offensive output in the 2000–01 season, setting career highs with 34 goals, 41 assists, and 75 points in 81 games, which led the Blackhawks in scoring that year. He frequently played on the top line alongside center Alexei Zhamnov, forming a dynamic duo that emphasized speed and playmaking, with Sullivan's agility and shooting ability complementing Zhamnov's vision. This role helped him maintain strong production across multiple seasons, including 60 points in 2001–02 and 61 points in 2002–03, contributing to the Blackhawks' occasional playoff appearances, such as their first-round series loss to the St. Louis Blues in 2002. On February 16, 2004, midway through the 2003–04 season, Sullivan was traded to the in exchange for the Predators' second-round draft picks in the 2004 and 2005 NHL Entry Drafts (selections #45, Ryan Garlock, and #61, Phil Vandermeer). The move came as the Blackhawks sought to acquire young talent amid ongoing roster adjustments, ending Sullivan's time in where he had become one of the team's most reliable scorers.

Nashville Predators

Sullivan was acquired by the from the on February 16, 2004, in exchange for the Predators' second-round draft picks in the 2004 and 2005 NHL Entry Drafts. In his partial debut season of 2003–04, he contributed 9 goals and 20 points in 24 games, helping the team secure a playoff spot. Notably, in his debut with the Predators on February 18, 2004, against the , Sullivan scored a and added an assist in a 7-3 victory. Following the , Sullivan emerged as a key offensive contributor during the 2005–06 post-lockout season, recording 31 goals and 68 points in 69 games while playing on the top line alongside and . His performance helped the Predators finish first in the Western Conference with 110 points and advance to the second round of the playoffs, where they fell to the in six games. On February 22, 2007, during a game against the , Sullivan suffered a severe back injury that required multiple surgeries and sidelined him for nearly two full seasons. He missed the final 25 games of the 2006–07 season, the entire 2007–08 season, and the first 41 games of 2008–09, totaling 148 regular-season games absent due to the injury. Sullivan staged a remarkable return to the lineup on January 10, 2009, against his former team, the , after 687 days away from NHL action. In the remaining 41 games of the 2008–09 regular season, he tallied 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points, aiding the Predators in clinching a playoff berth before they were eliminated in the first round by the . His inspiring comeback from career-threatening injury was recognized with the 2009 , awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Sullivan continued to provide scoring depth for Nashville over the next two seasons, posting 17 goals in 82 games during 2009–10 and 10 goals in 44 games in 2010–11 despite ongoing injury challenges. After seven seasons with the organization, he recorded 100 goals and 263 points in 317 regular-season games before becoming an unrestricted on July 1, 2011, as the Predators opted not to extend his contract.

Pittsburgh Penguins

On July 1, 2011, Sullivan signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins as an unrestricted free agent, bringing his veteran scoring touch to a contending team. During the 2011–12 season, Sullivan recorded 48 points, including 17 goals and 31 assists, in 79 games, providing secondary scoring that helped the Penguins secure a playoff spot with 105 points. He demonstrated resilience following a major back injury in Nashville that had sidelined him for nearly two seasons, adapting to Pittsburgh's high-tempo style. Sullivan often featured on skilled lines, including time alongside Evgeni Malkin and James Neal, where his playmaking complemented the young stars' offensive prowess, and occasionally with Sidney Crosby upon the latter's return from injury. Following the Penguins' first-round playoff exit, Sullivan's contract expired, leading to his departure from the team in the summer of 2012 as he entered .

Phoenix Coyotes

On July 4, 2012, Sullivan signed a one-year, $1.85 million contract with the Phoenix Coyotes as a , aiming to bolster the team's forward depth following the departure of veteran Ray Whitney. In the lockout-shortened 2012–13 NHL season, Sullivan appeared in 33 games for the Coyotes, contributing 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points while averaging 14:21 of ice time per game. On March 28, 2013, he played his 1,000th career NHL game against the at , a milestone that highlighted his perseverance after overcoming significant injuries earlier in his career, including a back issue that sidelined him for nearly three seasons from 2007 to 2009. With the Coyotes struggling late in the season, Sullivan was traded to the —his original drafting team—on April 3, 2013, in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He played 9 games with down the stretch, recording 2 goals and 3 assists, but saw no further NHL action after the playoffs concluded. Sullivan effectively retired following the 2012–13 season at age 39, ending a 16-year NHL that included 1,011 regular-season games, 290 goals, and 457 assists across six teams. His decision came after expressing in late July 2013 that he was "99.9 percent" certain his playing days were over, though he left open the possibility of staying involved in hockey.

International career

World Championships

Sullivan was selected to represent Team Canada at the in , , where he served as one of the assistant captains under team captain . Playing as a forward for the in the NHL at the time, he appeared in all 9 tournament games, contributing 4 goals and 1 assist for 5 points while accumulating 14 penalty minutes. His efforts helped Canada finish fourth after losing the bronze medal game to 1–2. Sullivan returned to Team Canada for the in , , appearing in all 7 tournament games. In that tournament, he recorded 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points, with 10 penalty minutes, as Canada finished fifth after losing the quarterfinal to the 3–4 in overtime. Over his two World Championships, Sullivan played in 16 games, totaling 8 points (5 goals and 3 assists). As a depth forward, he leveraged his NHL speed and experience to support Canada's campaigns in these senior international tournaments.

Post-playing career

Arizona Coyotes roles

After retiring from a 16-year NHL playing career that included one partial season with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2012–13, Steve Sullivan joined the organization in a front-office capacity. On September 8, 2014, the Coyotes hired Sullivan as their player development coach, where he oversaw amateur player development and collaborated with coaches and players in the team's minor league affiliates, including the AHL's . Sullivan was promoted to director of player development on May 26, 2016, expanding his responsibilities to lead the department in nurturing the organization's prospects through skill enhancement and professional transition guidance. In this role, he focused on mentoring emerging talents, such as forward , whom Sullivan praised for his well-rounded game lacking significant weaknesses during the 2017 development camp, emphasizing the need to foster continued growth. He advanced further to assistant general manager on May 18, 2017, while retaining oversight of player development, including serving as of the AHL's . On July 26, 2020, following the resignation of John , Sullivan was appointed interim of the Coyotes, a position in which he managed hockey operations during the 2019–20 season's conclusion and the subsequent offseason. Sullivan remained in front-office roles with the organization until his contract was terminated on February 11, 2021.

Other roles

Following his departure from the Coyotes, Sullivan served as head coach of the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 18U AAA team in the T1EHL during the 2023–24 season. He has also held the position of senior advisor for the Rock of the (NOJHL) since at least 2015.

Toronto Marlies

On August 29, 2024, Steve Sullivan was hired as an assistant coach for the , the affiliate of the , joining head coach John Gruden's staff for the 2024–25 season. In this role, Sullivan contributes to the team's coaching efforts alongside assistants Michael Dyck and goaltending coach Hannu Toivonen, with a primary emphasis on player development. Sullivan's responsibilities center on enhancing prospects' offensive skills and goal-scoring abilities, leveraging his extensive experience as an NHL forward who amassed 290 goals over 1,011 games. He focuses on high-pressure decision-making drills and repetitive skill work to build read-and-react capabilities, puck anticipation, and transitions from defense to offense, helping players refine their game awareness under limited ice time. This approach draws from his prior work in player development with the , where he served in coaching and directorial capacities from 2014 to 2021. Sullivan's coaching emphasizes preparing young talent for the NHL level by instilling a student-of-the-game mentality and team-oriented systems that promote adaptability against varied opponents. As of November 2025, he continues in this position, supporting the Marlies' development pipeline for the Maple Leafs organization.

Personal life and legacy

Personal life

Sullivan has been married to Kristen Sullivan since the early . Together, they have four children: sons Aidyn, Garner, and Drake, and daughter Karlisle. After retiring from the NHL following the 2012-13 season, Sullivan took a year off to focus on family, attending his children's activities, parent-teacher meetings, and coaching their teams, emphasizing that he did not want to miss these moments. The family relocated to during the 2012-13 lockout, where they embraced the outdoor lifestyle and warm weather, ultimately deciding to make it their permanent residence to support family priorities and Sullivan's post-playing roles with the organization. Sullivan maintains deep community ties to his hometown of , , where his parents, Kenn and Louise, and brother, Gary, reside, and he returns annually for the summer while keeping a home there. He supports local hockey development as a senior advisor to the Rock (since 2016) and by purchasing season tickets to Rock games for children served by North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services, aiming to help them discover a love for the sport. His children share enthusiasm for these visits, strengthening the family's connection to the community.

Legacy

Steve Sullivan earned the enduring nickname "Timmins Tornado" early in his career, reflecting his explosive skating speed and relentless energy on the ice, as well as his deep roots in the mining town of where he was born and raised. The moniker became a symbol of hometown pride, capturing Sullivan's dynamic playing style that allowed a smaller-statured forward to thrive against larger opponents throughout his NHL tenure. In recognition of his contributions to junior hockey in his community, the Timmins Rock of the retired Sullivan's No. 26 jersey on December 6, 2015, honoring him as the franchise's most famous alumnus and player from its inaugural season with the Timmins Golden Bears. This ceremony underscored his lasting connection to the sport's grassroots level in , where he began his path to professional success. Sullivan's 2009 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy win, awarded for exemplifying perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey following his remarkable comeback from a debilitating back that sidelined him for nearly two seasons, has served as an inspiration to injured players across the league. His story of overcoming to return stronger highlighted the resilience required in professional hockey, motivating others facing similar physical and mental challenges. Beyond his playing days, Sullivan has made significant contributions to player development through his post-playing roles in hockey operations.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Sullivan recorded 290 goals and 457 assists for 747 points in 1,011 regular season games over his 16-season NHL career. He achieved a career-high 75 points during the 2000–01 season with the . Sullivan played his 1,000th NHL game on March 28, 2013, with the Phoenix Coyotes.
SeasonTeam(s)GPGAPTS
1995–96NJD16549
1996–97NJD, TOR54132538
1997–98TOR63101828
1998–99TOR63202040
1999–00TOR, CHI80224365
2000–01CHI81344175
2001–02CHI78213960
2002–03CHI82263561
2003–04CHI, NSH80244973
2005–06NSH69313768
2006–07NSH57223860
2008–09NSH41112132
2009–10NSH82173451
2010–11NSH44101222
2011–12PIT79173148
2012–13PHX, NJD4271017
Total1011290457747
Sullivan appeared in 50 Stanley Cup playoff games, tallying 9 goals and 14 assists for 23 points.
SeasonTeamGPGAPTS
1998–99TOR13336
2001–02CHI5101
2003–04NSH6112
2005–06NSH5022
2009–10NSH6033
2010–11NSH9213
2011–12PIT6246
Total5091423

International

Sullivan's senior international appearances were limited to the IIHF World Championships in 2000 and 2001, where he represented Team Canada. His statistics from these tournaments are summarized below.
YearTournamentGPGAPtsPIM
2000941514
2001712310
TotalIIHF World Championships1653824
Sullivan recorded no other senior international appearances.

References

  1. https://www.nhl.com/player/steve-sullivan-8460719
  2. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/sullist01.html
  3. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8896/steve-sullivan
  4. https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/17042/steve-sullivan
  5. https://www.marlies.ca/articles/toronto-marlies-name-steve-sullivan-assistant-coach
  6. https://thehockeynews.com/news/tragedy-all-too-familiar-for-steve-sullivans-father
  7. https://thehockeywriters.com/steve-sullivan-the-epitome-of-courage/
  8. https://nojhl.com/rock-to-retire-sullivans-no-26
  9. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=22120
  10. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/sullist01/gamelog/1996
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/26/sports/devils-get-gilmour-from-maple-leafs.html
  12. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/NJD/1997.html
  13. https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/history-of-deadline-trades-has-yielded-big-names
  14. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/1999.html
  15. https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/team-game-by-game/toronto-maple-leafs-forwards-1998-99-game-by-game-playoff-stats.html
  16. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-26-sp-41180-story.html
  17. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/02/17/hawks-sullivan-traded-to-nashville/
  18. http://www.nhltradetracker.com/user/trade_list_by_player/Sullivan%2CSteve
  19. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/sullist01/gamelog/2004
  20. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/NSH/2006.html
  21. https://www.nhlpa.com/news/be-a-player-rewind-steve-sullivan/
  22. https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-bill-masterton-memorial-trophy-winners-complete-list-288418608
  23. https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/teams/nashville-predators-players-career-nhl-stats.html
  24. https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/player/_/id/1852/steve-sullivan
  25. https://thehockeywriters.com/steve-sullivan-penguins/
  26. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/PIT/2012.html
  27. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nhl/nhl-mvp-malkin-returns-to-penguins-healthy-happy
  28. https://www.wtae.com/article/steve-sullivan-signs-1-year-deal-with-phoenix-coyotes/7457315
  29. https://section303.com/steve-sullivans-1000th-game-tonight-will-be-extra-special-49834
  30. https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/sullivan-99-9-percent-sure-hes-going-to-retire
  31. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2000-nr-035-en
  32. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/teams/team-canada-players-2000-whc-stats.html
  33. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/teams/team-canada-players-2001-whc-stats.html
  34. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nhl/coyotes/2014/09/08/coyotes-hire-sullivan-as-development-coach/15301667/
  35. https://theahl.com/2014/09/page/2
  36. https://thescore.com/nhl/news/1033674
  37. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nhl/coyotes/2017/06/28/clayton-keller-dylan-strome-focus-cracking-arizona-coyotes-lineup/434130001/
  38. https://theahl.com/news/sullivan-named-roadrunners-gm
  39. https://www.tucsonroadrunners.com/releases/steve-sullivan-names-coyotes-interim-general-manager/
  40. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/sources-steve-sullivan-named-interim-gm-coyotes/
  41. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/30882642/phoenix-coyotes-fire-steve-sullivan-assistant-gm-seek-replacement
  42. https://timminsrock.com/sullivan-gives-back
  43. https://theahl.com/news/marlies-add-sullivan-to-coaching-staff
  44. https://members.thecoachessite.com/article/glass-and-out-hockey-podcast-steve-sullivan
  45. https://www.marlies.ca/stats/roster/335
  46. https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sullivan-85551792
  47. https://www.tennessean.com/picture-gallery/sports/nhl/predators/2018/02/26/david-poile-architect-of-the-nashville-predators-from-the-beginning/110864730/
  48. https://ism3.infinityprosports.com/ismdata/2016080201/std-sitebuilder/sites/201601/www/en/team/hockey-ops/?staff_id=33
  49. https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/steve-sullivan-on-his-retirement--his-career--avs-fan-trolling--puck-daddy-interview-182035103.html
  50. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ex-leaf-sullivan-outscores-sundin-1.282629
  51. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/steve-sullivan-on-his-retirement--his-career--avs-fan-trolling--puck-daddy-interview-182035103.html
  52. https://records.nhl.com/awards/trophies/bill-masterton-memorial-trophy
  53. https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/10-biggest-feel-good-hockey-moments-last-decade--nhl.html
  54. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/seasons/2000-whc-players-stats.html
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