As the Stanley Cup playoffs continue into the third round, many teams have begun their offseason heavy lifting. In recent weeks teams have made front office changes, coaches have been fired and hired. Some players have signed extensions while others are anticipating July 1st when Free Agency begins. Well into what is going to be an extra-long offseason this year, the Boston Bruins are still working on hiring their next coach. With veteran coaches Mike Sullivan, Rick Tocchet, Joel Quenneville and Jeff Blashill all joining new clubs recently, it’s clear that the Bruins were not interested in any of the veterans. Not interested in their asking prices anyway. Sullivan and Tocchet signed very lucrative deals in New York and Philadelphia respectively. Instead, the Bruins are looking at younger, more viable options. Perhaps they are looking for a coach willing to grow with the team as Boston begins their retool. Refresh. Rejig. Pick a name for it but it’s evident that youth, in general, is going to be a priority on Causeway St. Fresh off his two-year contract extension, General Manager Don Sweeney confirmed to the Boston Hearld that they were no longer speaking with any coaches that are still playing in the playoffs. Scratch Dallas Stars assistant Misha Donskov off the potential list then. Donskov was an early favorite within the Bruins media and podcast world. Perhaps the Bruins aren’t willing to wait for Dallas’ season to end. One thing is certain; The Bruins have spoken to many people about their vacancy. As Elliotte Friedman said on 32 Thoughts the Podcast this past week, “Who hasn’t Boston talked to.”
Looking at some recently reported candidates and my very own prediction on who will be the next head coach of the Boston Bruins;
Joe Sacco
Current interim coach. Sacco was thrown into a very tough situation last season and did as well as could be expected. Once the team sold at the deadline the sledding got even tougher. Popular with players including star David Pastrnak, I could see the Bruins wanting Sacco to stay on the bench. Even if he returns to his role as associate coach.
Jay Woodcroft
Fired by Edmonton last season, Woodcroft has been a popular candidate in several cities thus far. Woodcroft did well in Edmonton and to me was the scapegoat for a miserable start by the Oilers. He deserves another crack. He’s 47 years old and would be a good fit for the Bruins young players. NHL head coaching experience.
Jay Leach
Current assistant coach on the Bruins bench. Former head coach of the Providence Bruins who left for three seasons as an assistant in Seattle. He returned to the Bruins organization a year ago and ran the team’s defense. Rough year! Still think he has a shot as the Bruins did bring him back. 45 years old and head coaching experience on his side.
Marco Sturm
Current head coach of the Ontario Reign of the AHL. Former Bruin famously acquired in the Joe Thornton trade. Where were you when he scored the winning goal on New Years Day 2010 at Fenway? A lot to like here. 47 years old. Familiar with the organization, city and fans. Success as a head coach for team Germany and the Kings farm team.
Mitch Love
Current assistant with the Washington Capitals. Has run the defense for the Caps and has done a great job. Love has had a lot of success as an AHL head coach for Calgary’s farm teams. WHL head coaching experience too with Saskatoon. Just a pup at 40 years of age. Excellent candidate.
Luke Richardson
Former Chicago head coach. Basically, was fired for trying to coach the worst team in the NHL. Former member of the Senators, Islanders and Canadiens coaching staffs. Brings head coaching experience.
With Sweeney expecting to conduct in person interviews this week, it appears the Bruins are not far away from naming their next head coach. To me the logical choice is Marco Sturm. As highlighted above, he would bring everything the Bruins should be looking for to steer the team back to the playoffs. The list of things to reach that goal is much longer than just adding the coach, however. With Sweeney extended, coaching candidates can now see some stability in the front office. Along with extending some RFA’s, the draft and free agency are up next for the GM.
G-Rant @TheRealG_Rant/Grant Cumming. Bruins fan. Bigger dreams, bigger screens, bigger feelings are planned.
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