After what has turned into a long and exhausting search for the next head coach of the Boston Bruins, we could be getting some closure as to who the next bench boss will be. General manager Don Sweeney has reportedly narrowed his search down to a couple of names, with one name being told he was no longer under consideration, according to an NHL insider.
On his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Bruins informed interim coach Joe Sacco that he was no longer under consideration for the job. That may be the least surprising news to come out of this drawn-out, long search.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic also reported on Monday that the Bruins are expected to name their next head coach early this week. Marco Strum, Jay Woodcroft, and Mitch Love continue to be the names being circled in rumors.
While the coaching search is narrowing, fans are still waiting for the final decision, and there’s still talk of possible trades and roster changes as well.
A Surprise in the Selke Trophy Voting
Elias Lindholm, despite a brutal first season in Boston, surprisingly received Selke Trophy votes, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.
File this under “What are we even doing here?” Lindholm got one vote, which seems baffling given how he performed during the 2024-25 season. He was criticized for his play and struggled through injuries, but he did show signs of improvement toward the end of the year.
This unexpected nod from the voting panel has left many scratching their heads, especially considering the team’s struggles and Lindholm’s performance.
Trade Rumors Continue to Circle Jeremy Swayman
According to David Pagontta of The Fourth Period, the Edmonton Oilers called the Bruins this season to see if they were looking to move their new $66 million goalie, Jeremy Swayman.
Sweeney did not entertain the idea, but don’t expect this to be the last time this summer that we hear a rumor that teams are calling to see if the former University of Maine star will be moved.
The Oilers are doing fine with Stuart Skinner between the pipes as they are in their second straight Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. They may have missed their chance to get one of Boston’s goalies when Linus Ullmark was shipped to the Ottawa Senators last summer. That should have been their target.
Could There Be Voter Fraud?
Amid all the coaching speculation and trade rumors, there are also whispers of alleged voter fraud, though the details remain unclear.
Whether it’s about the coaching hiring process or something else, the mention of such claims adds another layer of intrigue to an already complicated offseason for the Bruins.
Fans are eager for clarity, and with the coaching search nearing its end, it’s possible these allegations could come to light soon.
What’s Next for the Bruins?
With the coaching search finally narrowing, the focus is shifting to what the Bruins might do next. Will they make a bold move? Could they pull off a blockbuster trade?
For now, the coaching hire is the biggest story, but with rumors of potential deals and questions around the process, the offseason is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent years.
As the NHL playoffs approach, the Bruins find themselves in a crucial position, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could define their future.
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