Steve Sullivan must have felt like he hit the lottery. The 37-year-old winger was coming off another injury riddled season that sidelined him for 38 games. Last season it was a sports hernia that ruined most of the regular season—then a knee injury that cut his postseason short. This is the same Steve Sullivan that missed the entire 2007-08 season with a career threatening back injury. At some point, the unrestricted free agent had to wonder how many teams would come calling this offseason once he knew his days in Nashville were numbered. Plenty of people around the league still thought he still had something left in the tank, but it’s hard to figure out the demand for an aging winger who primarily relies on his speed to be effective.
He had at least one suitor. It just so happened to be the one he wanted. The former Predator admitted that that he hoped he’d hear from Pittsburgh when he hit the open market on July 1. Needless to say, Sullivan is excited for the opportunity to go deep into the playoffs with the Penguins:
Sullivan was able to pot 10 goals and 12 assists even though he only played 44 games last season. The speedy winger has shown the ability to create his own offense throughout his career both at even strength and also on the power play. If he was able to produce with some lousy Blackhawks teams and some Predators teams that were thin on playmaking centers, just imagine what he’d be able to do with the likes of Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, and Jordan Stall.
He signed a one-year deal with $1.5 million for the opportunity to chase the elusive Stanley Cup with the perennial contender. Even though he’s coming off an injury shortened season, there’s a good chance that he could have made more money from other teams who were spending freely in free agency. But this isn’t the first time a player has accepted a little less than they may have been able to earn in another city to play with the Penguins.
The new addition was quick to point out that all of his health problems are behind him. The back hasn’t been an issue since he his one-year sabbatical, the sports hernia is fully healed, and he’s fully recovered from the knee injury he sustained in the playoffs. For the moment, he’s a healthy man diligently preparing for next season with his new team. The last time he was able to play a full season, he racked up 17 goals and 51 points for the Predators in 2009-10. If his health can hold up for a full season playing next to Crosby or Malkin, there’s no reason he won’t match those totals as the Pens battle for the top spot in the East.
Between Sullivan and James Neal, Pittsburgh may have finally found a few wingers to go with their embarrassment of riches at center.