Steve Sullivan

Sullivan was born on July 6, 1974, in Timmins, Ontario{{cite web |title=Steve Sullivan |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8896/steve-sullivan |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=February 26, 2025}} to parents Kenn and Louise.{{cite news |last1=Shoalts |first1=David |title=687 days later, Sullivan makes remarkable return |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/687-days-later-sullivan-makes-remarkable-return/article1343251/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=The Globe and Mail |date=January 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226213617/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/687-days-later-sullivan-makes-remarkable-return/article1343251/|archive-date=February 26, 2025}} Growing up, Sullivan and his older brother Gary attended École secondaire catholique Thériault.{{cite news |last1=Ribau |first1=Chris |title=Sullivan brothers faceoff |url=https://www.timminspress.com/2012/12/30/sullivan-brothers-faceoff |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=Timmins Press |date=December 30, 2012}}

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.{{cite news |last1=Ruicci |first1=Peter |title=Timing can be everything |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-timing-can-be-everything/166756260/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=March 13, 1997|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |title=Forget about size, Steve Sullivan's 'a Soo-Greyhound' – Bassin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-forget-about-size-steve/166755626/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=September 8, 1992|via=newspapers.com}} Sullivan subsequenlty 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.{{cite news |last1=Leeson |first1=Bill |title=Sullivan says rookie year with Hounds prepared him for big show |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-sullivan-says-rookie-year/166755666/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=July 11, 2009|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Bellerose |first1=Dan |title=Hounds' Sullivan named to second OHL all-star squad |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-hounds-sullivan-named-to/166756134/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=March 30, 1993|via=newspapers.com}}

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.{{cite news |last1=Montague |first1=Bill |title=Pappas: Hounds 'better be ready' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-pappas-hounds-better-be/166756773/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=April 7, 1993|via=newspapers.com}}

Following the 1993–94 season, Sullivan was drafted in the ninth round of the 1994 NHL entry draft by the New Jersey Devils.{{cite news |title=Cloutier selection represents dividends for Hounds' bankroll |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-cloutier-selection-repres/166755262/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=June 30, 1994|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |title=Notes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-notes/166856611/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=October 1, 1994|via=newspapers.com}} Greyhounds general manager later stated that the loss of Sullivan taught the team a "big lesson" about planning for the future.{{cite news |last1=Montague |first1=Bill |title=Overage search begins for Hounds' Mayville after Roach turns pro |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-overage-search-begins-for/166756844/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=August 30, 1995|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |title=Sullivan scores hat trick for Albany |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/syracuse-herald-journal-sullivan-scores/166857422/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=Syracuse Herald-Journal |date=December 31, 1994|via=newspapers.com}} 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."{{cite news |title=Slap Shots |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger-slap-shots/166857475/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=The Star-Ledger |date=December 9, 1994|via=newspapers.com}} As a result of his early success, Sullivan was selected to participate in the 1995 AHL All-Star Game.{{cite news |last1=Roarke |first1=Shawn P. |title=Sullivan turning heads as he skates with the stars |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news-sullivan-turning-heads-a/166857987/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=The Herald-News |date=January 26, 1995|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Bellerose |first1=Dan |title=Steve Sullivan proves he really does belong |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-steve-sullivan-proves-he/166756726/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=July 26, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} Sullivan then scored nine goals and 16 assists to help the team clinch the 1995 Calder Cup championship.

Sullivan scored his first NHL goal in his NHL debut on February 23, 1996, against the Montreal Canadiens.{{cite news |last1=Chere |first1=Rich |title=Rookie center shows his stuff |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger-rookie-center-shows-his/166860342/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=The Star-Ledger |date=March 3, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |title=Hockey |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-hockey/166782095/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=February 29, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Chere |first1=Rich |title=Sullivan a small wonder for Devils |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger-sullivan-a-small-wonder/166860305/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=The Star-Ledger |date=March 5, 1996|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |last1=Ciabattari |first1=Kisha |title=Sullivan's silky play confounds opponents |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-sullivans-silky-play/166860046/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=Asbury Park Press |date=March 6, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |title=NHL Notebook |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-and-sun-bulletin-nhl-notebook/166860116/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |publisher=Press and Sun-Bulletin |date=March 10, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} By the end of March, Sullivan had tallied five goals through 12 games.{{cite news |last1=Czerwinski |first1=Mark J. |title=Sullivan scoring with Devils |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record-sullivan-scoring-with-devils/166860236/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Record |date=March 28, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} Sullivan returned to the River Rats on April 15{{cite news |title=Hockey |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/portland-press-herald-hockey/166910237/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=Portland Press Herald |date=April 16, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} after the Devils failed to qualify for the 1996 Stanley Cup playoffs. Despite spending most of the second-half of the 1995-96 season with the Devils, Sullivan ranked third in scoring on the River Rats with 75 points.{{cite news |title=Offence |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/standard-freeholder-offence/166910039/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=Standard-Freeholder |date=April 19, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} He was also named to the AHL's 1995–96 First All-Star Team.{{cite news |title=Sportspeople |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-sportspeople/166757542/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Sault Star |date=April 13, 1996|via=newspapers.com}}

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.{{cite news |last1=Chere |first1=Rich |title=Devils notes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger-devils-notes/166912368/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Star-Ledger |date=October 15, 1996}} He recorded eight goals and seven assists through 15 AHL games{{cite news |last1=Ross |first1=Sherry |title=Devils search for Sykora stand-in |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-devils-search-for-sykora-stan/166912571/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=Daily News |date=December 31, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} before being recalled to the NHL level on November 1.{{cite news |title=Hockey |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-jersey-journal-hockey/166912437/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Jersey Journal |date=November 2, 1996|via=newspapers.com}} 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. 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.{{cite news |last1=Chere |first1=Rich |title=Sullivan, Dean becoming keys to Devils' success |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger-sullivan-dean-becoming/166912687/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Star-Ledger |date=January 27, 1997|via=newspapers.com}}

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. At the time of the trade, Sullivan had scored eight goals and 14 assists in 33 games.{{cite news |last1=Wharnsby |first1=Tim |title=Jumping from the shadows into the spotlight |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post-jumping-from-the-shadows-i/166911924/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=National Post |date=February 26, 1997|via=newspapers.com}} Upon joining the Leafs, Sullivan returned to his natural centre position and played between Tie Domi and Wendel Clark.{{cite news |last1=Berkovich |first1=Karlo |title=These guys from Jersey should fit in nicely |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/waterloo-region-record-these-guys-from-j/166912129/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=Waterloo Region Record |date=February 27, 1997|via=newspapers.com}} Domi later compared Sullivan to Theoren Fleury and praised his tenacious playing style.{{cite news |title=Maple Leafs 3 Sharks 2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/syracuse-herald-journal-maple-leafs-3-sh/166913007/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=Syracuse Herald-Journal |date=March 2, 1997|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Cummings |first1=Ray |title=Lightning-Maple Leafs scouting report |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-lightning-maple-leafs/166913066/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Tampa Tribune |date=March 16, 1997 |page=29|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |title=Sports Briefly |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-odessa-american-sports-briefly/166917586/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Odessa American |date=April 2, 1997|via=newspapers.com}} He finished the regular season with five goals and 11 assists through the Leafs' final 21 games.{{cite news |last1=Sicinski |first1=Larry |title=Of mice and ice-time |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hamilton-spectator-of-mice-and-ice-t/166912016/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Hamilton Spectator |date=November 19, 1997 |page=32|via=newspapers.com}}

Over the offseason, Sullivan reviewed old game footage of himself while he played for the Devils to regain his intensity.{{cite news |last1=Hunter |first1=Paul |title=Sullivan finds old spark |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-sullivan-finds-old-spar/166918077/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=Toronto Star |date=October 22, 1998|via=newspapers.com}} 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."{{cite news |last1=Fuller |first1=Dave |title=Make room for mighty mites |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hamilton-spectator-make-room-for-mig/166918970/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Hamilton Spectator |date=November 9, 1998|via=newspapers.com}} As a restricted free agent, Sullivan signed a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs on September 12, 1998.{{cite news |title=Leafs sign Sullivan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-leafs-sign-sullivan/166920129/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Toronto Star |date=September 13, 1998|via=newspapers.com}} However, after reinjuring his hip flexors during the preseason, Sullivan was scratched for four of the first five games of the 1998–99 season. While he continued to be scratched throughout October and November due to mediocre play, Sullivan voiced his opinion that this was due to a bias against smaller players in the NHL.{{cite news |last1=Warren |first1=Ken |title=It's a small world for skaters battling NHL myth |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-its-a-small-world-fo/166917889/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Ottawa Citizen |date=December 12, 1998|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Neal |first1=David J. |title=Cats take record beating |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-cats-take-record-beatin/166921795/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Miami Herald |date=April 11, 1999|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |title=Sullivan lights it up for Leafs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/saint-john-times-globe-sullivan-lights-i/166921886/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=Saint John Times Globe |date=April 12, 1999|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=Fiesty Sullivan starting to exasperate the Sabres |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/usa-today-fiesty-sullivan-starting-to-ex/166919319/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=USA Today |date=May 27, 1999|via=newspapers.com}}

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.{{cite news |last1=Hunter |first1=Paul |title=Sullivan says he's 'happy' to join Hawks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-sullivan-says-hes-hap/166919822/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Toronto Star |date=October 24, 1999|via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=K.C. |title=Steve Sullivan Was Waived By Toronto And Michael Nylander Was A Forgotten Man in Tampa. Both Have Found Chicago To Be A Sweet Home|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/03/21/steve-sullivan-was-waived-by-toronto-and-michael-nylander-was-a-forgotten-man-in-tampa-both-have-found-chicago-to-be-a-sweet-home/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |publisher=Chicago Tribune |date=March 21, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250301014613/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/03/21/steve-sullivan-was-waived-by-toronto-and-michael-nylander-was-a-forgotten-man-in-tampa-both-have-found-chicago-to-be-a-sweet-home/ |archive-date=March 1, 2025}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Milbert |first1=Neil |title=Steve Sullivan Was An Unwanted Right Wing A Year Ago. Since Being Picked Up By The Blackhawks, He Has Been A Consistent Contributor|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/12/05/steve-sullivan-was-an-unwanted-right-wing-a-year-ago-waived-by-the-toronto-maple-leafs-since-being-picked-up-by-the-blackhawks-he-has-been-a-consistent-contributor/ |access-date=June 30, 2018 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=December 5, 2000}}

On April 14, 2000, Sullivan was one of 14 players named to Team Canada's roster for the 2000 IIHF World Championship.{{cite web |title=Team Canada Names 12 NHL Players to Roster For 2000 Men's World Hockey Championship |url=https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2000-nr-030-en |publisher=Hockey Canada |access-date=February 28, 2025 |date=April 14, 2000}} Sullivan recorded his second career NHL hat-trick on December 22, 2000, against the Vancouver Canucks.{{cite web |title=Chicago 6, Vancouver 4 |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/12/22/Chicago-6-Vancouver-4/9541977461200/ |publisher=United Press International |access-date=February 28, 2025 |date=December 22, 2000}}

File:Steve Sullivan 2-6-2010 3.jpg

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.{{cite news |title=Sullivan traded to Nashville |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-sullivan-traded-to-nashv/166932412/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=Chicago Tribune |date=February 27, 2004|via=newspapers.com}} Sullivan recorded a hat trick in his first game with the Predators,{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Kevin |title=10th: Steve Sullivan debuts with a hat trick vs. San Jose |url=https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/10th-steve-sullivan-debuts-with-a-hat-trick-vs-san-jose/c-439463 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 30, 2018 |date=February 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630081001/https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/10th-steve-sullivan-debuts-with-a-hat-trick-vs-san-jose/c-439463|archive-date=June 30, 2018}} 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.{{cite web |title=Sullivan named NHL Offensive Player of the Week |url=https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/sullivan-named-nhl-offensive-player-of-the-week/c-438617 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 30, 2018 |date=October 17, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630104918/https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/sullivan-named-nhl-offensive-player-of-the-week/c-438617|archive-date=June 30, 2018}}

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 {{NHL Year|2006}} season, all of the {{NHL Year|2007}} season, and the first half of the {{NHL Year|2008}} 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.{{cite web |title=Sullivan Wins Masterton Memorial Trophy; Becomes Preds First NHL Award Winner |url=https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/sullivan-wins-masterton-memorial-trophy-becomes-preds-first-nhl-award-winner/c-440271 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 30, 2018 |date=June 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524083114/https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/sullivan-wins-masterton-memorial-trophy-becomes-preds-first-nhl-award-winner/c-440271|archive-date=May 24, 2022}}

On July 1, 2011, he signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million with the Pittsburgh Penguins.{{cite web|title=NHL Free Agent Tracker|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=25880|work=The Sports Network|access-date=1 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629095253/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=25880|archive-date=2011-06-29|url-status=dead}} 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.

On July 4, 2012, Sullivan signed a one-year, $1.85 million deal with the Phoenix Coyotes.{{cite news| url = http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/story/2012-07-04/coyotes-steve-sullivan-signing/56020958/1 | title = Steve Sullivan signs with Coyotes | newspaper = USA Today | date = 2012-07-04 | access-date = 2012-07-04}} 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.{{cite web| url =http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2012020039 | title = Sullivan's Hat-trick powers Coyotes past Jackets | website = National Hockey League | date = 2013-01-24 | access-date = 2013-01-24}} On March 28, 2013, Sullivan dressed for his 1,000th NHL game.{{cite web| url = http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=662593#&navid=nhl-search | title = Against the odds, Sullivan to play 1,000th game | website = National Hockey League | date = 2013-03-27 | access-date = 2013-03-28}} He was honored during the game as the Coyotes defeated the Predators 7-4.{{cite web| url = http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2012020498 | title = Coyotes use six goal first period to defeat Predators | website = National Hockey League | date = 2013-03-28 | access-date = 2013-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331032334/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2012020498|archive-date=March 31, 2013}}

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.{{cite news| url = http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2013/04/devils_acquire_steve_sullivan.html | title = Devils acquire Steve Sullivan | work = NJ.com | date = 2013-04-03 | access-date = 2013-04-03}} 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.{{cite news|title=The Newark Star Ledger. April 7, 2013. section 4 pg. 5}}{{cite web |last1=Vocaturo |first1=Nadia |title=Be A Player: Rewind with Steve Sullivan |url=https://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-16429/be-a-player-rewind-steve-sullivan |publisher=NHLPA |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=March 14, 2019}}

On September 8, 2014, the Coyotes announced they had hired Sullivan as their development coach.{{cite web |title=Coyotes name Steve Sullivan as development coach |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/coyotes-name-steve-sullivan-as-development-coach/c-729862 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 30, 2018 |date=September 8, 2014}} He was promoted to director of player development on May 26, 2016,{{cite web |title=Coyotes name Steve Sullivan director of player development |url=https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1033674 |website=thescore.com |access-date=April 25, 2024 |date=May 26, 2016}} and one year later he was promoted to assistant general manager.{{cite web |title=Coyotes promote Steve Sullivan to role of assistant GM |url=https://arizonasports.com/story/1120235/coyotes-promote-steve-sullivan-to-role-of-assistant-gm/ |website=arizonasports.com |access-date=April 25, 2024 |date=May 18, 2017}}

On July 26, 2020, Sullivan was named the interim general manager of the Coyotes upon the resignation of John Chayka,{{cite web |title=Coyotes name Steve Sullivan interim GM after John Chayka 'quit' - Sportsnet.ca |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/sources-steve-sullivan-named-interim-gm-coyotes/ |website=www.sportsnet.ca |access-date=12 February 2021 |date=26 July 2020}} running the NHL franchise until Bill Armstrong was hired as the new general manager in September 2020.{{cite web |title=Coyotes hire Bill Armstrong as general manager, was in Blues front office |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/bill-armstrong-named-general-manager-of-arizona-coyotes/c-319067178 |publisher=NHL |access-date=12 February 2021 |date=17 September 2020}} 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.{{cite web |title=Arizona Coyotes terminate assistant general manager Steve Sullivan's contract |url=https://www.tsn.ca/arizona-coyotes-terminate-assistant-general-manager-steve-sullivan-s-contract-1.1591470 |website=TSN.ca |access-date=12 February 2021 |language=en |date=11 February 2021}}{{cite news |date=11 February 2021 |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/coyotes-terminate-contract-former-assistant-gm-steve-sullivan/|title=Coyotes terminate contract of former assistant GM Steve Sullivan |website=Sportsnet|access-date=2022-12-03}}{{cite web |title=Coyotes name Steve Sullivan interim GM after John Chayka 'quit' |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/sources-steve-sullivan-named-interim-gm-coyotes/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=July 26, 2020}}

In August 2024, Sullivan joined the Toronto Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, as an assistant coach.{{cite web |title=Toronto Marlies name former NHLer Steve Sullivan assistant coach |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/toronto-marlies-name-former-nhler-steve-sullivan-assistant-coach/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=August 29, 2024}}

Sullivan and his wife Kristen have four children together.{{cite web |title=Sullivan gives back |url=https://timminsrock.com/sullivan-gives-back |publisher=Timmins Rock |access-date=February 26, 2025 |date=July 27, 2016}} During his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, color commentator Harry Neale nicknamed Sullivan the "Timmins Tornado."{{cite news |last1=LeBrun |first1=Pierre |title=Timmins Tornado leading NHL scorer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-expositor-timmins-tornado-leading-nh/166926082/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |publisher=The Expositor |date=October 15, 2005|via=newspapers.com}}

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{{succession box | title=Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy| before=Jason Blake| years=2009| after=Jose Theodore}}

{{succession box | before = John Chayka | title = General Manager of the Arizona Coyotes (interim) | years= 2020|after=Bill Armstrong}}

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Category:1974 births

Category:Living people

Category:Albany River Rats players

Category:Arizona Coyotes coaches

Category:Arizona Coyotes executives

Category:Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winners

Category:Canadian ice hockey left wingers

Category:Chicago Blackhawks players

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States

Category:Nashville Predators players

Category:New Jersey Devils draft picks

Category:New Jersey Devils players

Category:Phoenix Coyotes players

Category:Pittsburgh Penguins players

Category:Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds players

Category:Ice hockey people from Timmins

Category:Toronto Maple Leafs players

Category:Canadian ice hockey coaches