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  • Why the Bruins Are Making Morgan Geekie a Priority This Offseason?

    Why the Bruins Are Making Morgan Geekie a Priority This Offseason?

    The Boston Bruins have made it clear: Morgan Geekie is not just another player on their roster—he’s a building block for their future. After a two-year tear where he lit the lamp and cemented himself as a top-six forward, the Bruins are going to do everything in their power to keep the 26-year-old forward in the lineup for years to come.

    A Two-Year Run That Demands Attention

    When Morgan Geekie signed with the Bruins in 2023 on a two-year, $4 million deal, nobody could have predicted what he would do. Over his time in Boston, Geekie has 50 goals and 96 points in 153 games. That puts him second in goals scored behind only David Pastrnak and fourth in points among Bruins skaters.

    In the 2024-25 season alone, Geekie set career highs across the board—33 goals and 24 assists for 57 points. His five-on-five production per 60 minutes was right up there with superstars like Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon. But beyond the numbers, Geekie has brought another level to the Bruins’ offense especially playing with David Pastrnak.

    Bruins GM Don Sweeney didn’t beat around the bush when talking about Geekie’s value:

    “It’s obvious we want to get in front of [re-signing Geekie], because that sets up other things we may or may not be able to do,” Sweeney said. “We’d like to sign him to a longer term deal. He had a hell of a year.”

    Why Geekie is Non-Negotiable for the Bruins?

    Geekie is a restricted free agent (RFA), so the Bruins have all the leverage. Other teams can offer him an offer sheet, but matching those offers would be manageable given his projected salary. But Sweeney said losing Geekie isn’t an option.

    “We know he’s going to be on our team next year regardless,” he said.

    But the Bruins aren’t just going to keep Geekie – they want to lock him up long-term. With over $28 million in cap space heading into the 2025 offseason, the team has the room to make a deal that reflects both his current production and his growth.

    The question is, where does Geekie fit into the Bruins long-term plans? If he continues to be a top-line player, the Bruins will have to pay him accordingly. If he becomes a third-line player, they’ll look to structure the deal to avoid a “third-line albatross” like they did with David Backes.

    What’s Next for Negotiations?

    Talks between the Bruins and Geekie’s camp started before the 2024-25 season, but no deal was reached. However, both sides are still talking, and it’s all mutual respect and shared goals.

    Sweeney acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations but is optimistic they’ll find common ground.

    “I’ll save those conversations for my internal group,” he said. “We want a long-term deal. We’ll look at term, AAV and all the factors to find the right landing spot.”

    The upcoming increase in the NHL cap adds another layer to these talks. Middle-six talent like Geekie is going to get paid more than he has in almost a decade, so this negotiation is big for both sides.

    The Bigger Picture

    For the Bruins, it’s not just about rewarding a good player – it’s about building a contender. As the team goes through transitions elsewhere in the roster keeping a proven scorer like Geekie ensures continuity and stability moving forward. Plus, he’s versatile. He can center the 2nd line or be a depth scorer and his ability to play different roles makes him more important to the team. For a GM like Sweeney who likes to make smart moves, locking up Geekie fits the Bruins’ big picture.

  • How Riley Duran Became the Talk of the Town in His Bruins Debut

    How Riley Duran Became the Talk of the Town in His Bruins Debut

    It was a night to never forget for Riley Duran, the Woburn native and Boston Bruins rookie, who made his National Hockey League debut on Thursday, April 10, at TD Garden. With a sold out crowd of 17,850 and a big group of friends and family in attendance, Duran lived the dream.

    “It was just like I thought as a kid playing in the Garden,” said Duran, 23. “It was a great atmosphere tonight. I hate we didn’t get the win but it was an amazing experience and one I’ll never forget.”

    The Bruins called up Duran on an emergency basis after injuries started to pile up. Off a 58 game stint with the Providence Bruins, Boston’s AHL affiliate, Duran had 12 goals and 16 points. In 69 career AHL games, he had 14 goals and 20 points so he was ready for the next level.

    Transitioning to the NHL: A Daunting Task

    Getting to the NHL from the AHL is no easy task. Duran quickly figured that out.

    “You’re playing with and against guys that can make plays,” Duran said. “You just gotta be aware of them when you’re out there.”

    On the right wing of the Bruins’ fourth line, Duran didn’t waste any time making his presence known. Alongside newcomers Fraser Minten at center and Marat Khusnutdinov on the left wing, the trio gave Bruins fans a taste of the future.

    Duran’s physicality was on display early when he laid a huge hit on Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korshinski along the boards in the first period. The 6-3, 199 pound winger also showed off his offensive skills with a nice net front presence during Boston’s scoring chances.

    “I loved playing with those guys,” said Duran. “Minten I know from playing in Providence. He was there a couple weeks and is a really good player. Those two were flying around. It was fun to play with them.”

    A Glimpse of Potential in a Tough Loss

    Duran’s best scoring chance came in the second period when it was 1-1. He pounced on a centering pass that bounced off Pavel Zacha’s skate and shot quickly. Blackhawks goalie Arvid Soderblom denied the attempt with 3:30 left in the period.

    “I thought Riley got better as the game went on,” said Bruins coach Joe Sacco. “He had a really good opportunity in the second period. I think it hit the goalie on the shoulder. He was on the forecheck, moving his feet. He was noticeable, which I thought was a good start for him.”

    Chicago spoiled the homecoming by scoring three straight in the third period. Down 4-1, Duran didn’t give up, and had a nice give-and-go with Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov in the middle of the period.

    Duran was scoreless with two shots on goal, 19 shifts for 12:50 of ice time. He also had a 26-second power play shift and 27-second penalty kill shift. And he was 1-0 in the faceoff circle.

    Coaches and Teammates Praise

    Sacco said Duran’s line was one of the better lines offensively.

    “I know Pasta’s line does (a lot of) the scoring, but that other line with him and Fraser and Koozie developed and generated good scoring chances in the second period,” Sacco said.

    Bruins alternate captain David Pastrnak agreed.

    “I thought that was our best line,” Pastrnak said. “Riley, Minty, and Kooz, they played really well together. They made nice plays and were fun to watch. I was really impressed.”

    Feeling at Home in Boston

    A former Providence College Friar, Duran played 102 career NCAA games from 2021-24, scoring 27 goals and 55 points. Drafted by Boston in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Duran has always wanted to wear the Bruins jersey.

    “I’ve worked out here in the summer,” Duran said. “Everyone welcomed me in with open arms and it felt comfortable. I was just a little nervous going into my first game as usual. I played pretty good. It’s just a tough loss.”

    It was a crazy 24 hours but Duran wouldn’t trade it for anything.

    “It was a lot tougher, but it’s over with,” Duran said. “I’m glad to share this with family and friends. It was awesome.”

  • Is This the Bruins’ Missing Piece? Toughest Prospect Joins Roster

    Is This the Bruins’ Missing Piece? Toughest Prospect Joins Roster

    The Boston Bruins are back at it tonight (Sept. 28) as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers in a pre-season game. The roster for this one has been released and one name jumps out: Jackson Edward , a prospect who’s finally getting his chance to play.

    Jackson Edward Returns

    Jackson Edward is in the lineup tonight after missing the early part of training camp with an upper body injury. This is his first pre-season game with the Original Six franchise so it’s a big deal for the 20 year old.

    Edward has already made a name for himself with Bruins fans with his physical play and size. Many see the 2022 7th round pick as a future shutdown defenseman for the team—a role that could get him in the NHL lineup down the road.

    More Than Just Toughness: Edward’s Growth at the Junior Level

    Edward is known for being tough but he’s also shown steady improvement offensively at the junior level. Last season with the London Knights, he set new career highs with 7 goals, 23 assists, and 30 points. He didn’t stop there, he took his game to another level in the playoffs with 2 goals and 11 points in 15 games.

    He’s not just a tough guy, he’s a guy who can score when needed. That’s what makes him a unique prospect. He’s not just a guy who hits hard, he’s a guy who can contribute offensively. That’s what will be key as he tries to crack the Bruins roster in the coming years.

    What to Watch Tonight

    Bruins fans should keep an eye on Edward tonight. He’ll likely bring his physical style of play to the ice and deliver big hits and show off his defensive skills. It’s early in his development, but moments like these are crucial for prospects trying to prove themselves at the NHL level.

    For Edward, this is more than just another pre-season game; it’s an opportunity to show the Bruins organization and the fans why he’s the hype.

  • Two Boston Bruins Players No Longer Worth Defending in 2025

    Two Boston Bruins Players No Longer Worth Defending in 2025

    It’s been a tough season for the Boston Bruins, and fans are getting frustrated. A team that’s used to being good is now in uncharted territory, looking for answers. It’s easy to blame injuries or bad luck, but some players just didn’t show up when it mattered most.

    When you have to rebuild or retool, you have to make tough decisions. And for general manager Don Sweeney, two players stand out as expendable assets who haven’t earned their spot on this roster. Let’s get into why Elias Lindholm and Joonas Korpisalo might not have a future in Boston.

    Elias Lindholm: A Trade Away from Finding His Fit

    When Elias Lindholm joined the Bruins, fans hoped he’d find his old self from Calgary. Unfortunately, he’s been a total bust. 47 points and 17 goals in 82 games isn’t what you get from a guy who’s supposed to be a top 6 player on a Cup contender. Sure, he tied for 3rd on the team in scoring with Brad Marchand and Pavel Zacha, but Marchand was traded midseason and Zacha struggled early on.

    Lindholm brought physicality, blocked shots, and won faceoffs, but that wasn’t enough. The Bruins needed offense, and Lindholm just didn’t deliver. His game is more suited for a middle 6 on a contender than the top 6 expectations on him in Boston. If the Bruins are serious about retooling, trading Lindholm could free up cap space and bring back assets that fit more into their long term vision.

    Joonas Korpisalo: Ready for a Fresh Start

    It’s no surprise Joonas Korpisalo wants more ice time—and honestly, the Bruins should give it to him. Korpisalo had some bright moments this season, three shutouts in 24 starts, but inconsistency was his calling card in Boston. He rarely put together two good games in a row, and his numbers are mixed. 0.500 quality start percentage and five “really bad starts” (25% of his starts) mean he was unreliable when the Bruins needed him most.

    Fair enough, Korpisalo outperformed Jeremy Swayman in save percentage (0.893) and GAA (2.90). But Swayman is the goalie of the future in Boston and especially after signing a big contract extension. Korpisalo knows his time in Boston is running out. Sending him to a team like Columbus, where he could be a 1B goalie, makes sense for both.

    Why These Moves Matter?

    They are at a crossroads. Retooling isn’t just about getting rid of underperformers—it’s about making room for young players and retooling the roster to win for years to come. Trading Elias Lindholm and Joonas Korpisalo would show they are willing to change and win over being mediocre.

    For Bruins fans sick of watching their team come up short these moves could be the start of something better. Letting go of players who no longer fit the vision isn’t easy, but it’s necessary if Boston wants to get back to winning.

  • Brad Marchand’s Honest Confession About Transition to Panthers Before Stanley Cup Playoffs

    Brad Marchand’s Honest Confession About Transition to Panthers Before Stanley Cup Playoffs

    It has not been an easy year for Brad Marchand, even for a veteran like him. The league is as wild as ever and throws curveballs at every player. For Marchand, this year was a big change: leaving the Boston Bruins – a team he called home for 16 years – and joining the Florida Panthers – a team that wants to win a championship.

    Switching sides of the rivalry isn’t something players take lightly. Marchand said he never thought he’d face this. And here he is, wearing a Panthers jersey and getting ready to defend the Stanley Cup against old friends like the Tampa Bay Lightning.

    Adjusting to Life Without the Spoked B

    For over 10 years, he wore the Spoked B on his chest. He was the embodiment of gritty, never say die hockey – loved by Bruins fans and hated by opponents. But when extension talks stalled in Boston, reality set in – it was time for a new chapter.

    “It’s not a surprise anymore,” Marchand said in a candid chat with NHL.com. “For me, the biggest thing is not to be someone I’m not, Which is hard for me to do anyway. I get into the games and I’m me. I can’t turn it off.”

    Marchand knows better than to try to change who he is. His personality and competitive nature are who he is. Trying to tone himself down or fit into a mold that’s not him would backfire. Instead, he’s embracing being the same intense competitor he’s always been under pressure.

    From Villain to Valuable Asset

    The Panthers’ fanbase had mixed feelings about acquiring Marchand. After all, he wasn’t just any player—he was that guy everyone loved to hate when the Bruins faced off against Florida. Whether it was his physical play, trash talk, or clutch performances, Marchand left a lasting impression on Panthers fans.

    But hatred for an opponent doesn’t equate to disrespect for their talent. As Panthers leading scorer Sam Reinhart put it, “Everyone hates to play against him, but he is someone everyone would want to have.”

    Reinhart’s words echo throughout the locker room. Marchand’s arrival brings more than just skill; it adds experience, leadership, and a proven track record of excelling in high-stakes moments. With 16 playoff appearances and two Stanley Cups already under his belt, Marchand knows exactly what it takes to succeed when the stakes are highest.

    A Fully Loaded Roster Ready for Battle

    Now that Marchand is on the roster, the Panthers are going to make another deep run. And they’re not done. Tkachuk and Kulikov are expected back for Game 1, and this team is already loaded.

    This might be the best team of the 2024-25 season. Their goal? Win the Stanley Cup again and prove it wasn’t a one time thing. With Marchand added to the mix, the Panthers are ready to take on everyone in their way.

    Good to Have Him On Board

    Marchand has become a must have for the Panthers. He makes everyone around him better and that’s what a team looking for back to back titles needs. Adjusting to life without the Spoked B hasn’t been easy but Marchand’s honesty and determination is why he’s one of the most polarizing and respected guys in the NHL.

    As the playoffs approach Marchand isn’t worried about proving anyone wrong or shutting up the critics. He’s just being himself—a competitor who won’t compromise who he is no matter where his career takes him.

  • Why Elias Lindholm Is Ready for a Breakout Year with the Bruins

    Why Elias Lindholm Is Ready for a Breakout Year with the Bruins

    The Boston Bruins put a lot of expectations on Elias Lindholm after signing him to a 7 year, $54.25 million contract in the offseason. But the 2024-25 season didn’t go as planned for the 30 year old center and neither did he nor the team know what to do. But his strong finish has set him up for redemption in 2025-26.

    A Rocky Start to the 2024-25 Campaign

    Lindholm’s season got off to a rough start when he missed 9 days of training camp due to an injury. On Thursday, during the Bruins’ breakup day at Warrior Ice Arena, Lindholm revealed that a back injury he suffered in early August kept him out for most of the preseason.

    “The main reason was probably that I got injured,” Lindholm said. “But yeah, definitely, you sign a big contract, you want to perform and deliver.”

    The pressure mounted as Lindholm struggled to find chemistry with David Pastrnak and his own game early in the season. He was demoted from the top line, and that added to his frustration.

    “It’s been a lot of good years here (in Boston) and obviously this year wasn’t as good,” Lindholm said. “So you kind of put a lot of blame on yourself when you’re here to kind of help the team. And it went the other way. So yeah, definitely some pressure but it’s for everyone.”

    Finding His Groove Late in the Season

    Things started to come together for Lindholm after the trade deadline when interim head coach Joe Sacco put him back with Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie. Over the final 16 games of the season, Lindholm had 6 goals and 9 assists, 3rd on the team in scoring with 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points overall.

    “I was chasing it for a long time there,” Lindholm said. “Couldn’t do too much on the ice or off the ice, and felt like I was behind and tried to get back in shape to play at a high level, but felt like I was behind for a long time. But, yeah, definitely at the end I started feeling better and started playing better.”

    This late season run has Lindholm feeling good heading into the offseason.

    “For myself, it was something to kind of put in my back pocket and build off and try to improve in the summer and come back and hopefully have a better camp, be healthy, and start where I left off and help this team next year.”

    What Teammates Are Saying About Lindholm?

    Defenseman Nikita Zadorov has played with Lindholm for five years in Calgary and Vancouver and knows what the center brings to the table even when the numbers don’t show it.

    “He’s a leader, for sure,” Zadorov said. “And you see the last seven, eight games and they put him with Pasta like he’s been playing. That’s where we expect him. He had some stuff to deal with this year and no excuses, obviously, but I’ve seen him at his best. I know what he can bring and I know he’s an unbelievable playoff player as well … and he’s gonna bounce back for sure.”

    Zadorov also pointed out Lindholm’s intangibles that fans don’t see.

    “You guys look at the points, yeah, he didn’t produce points, but you don’t see the other stuff. What he does good, faceoffs, PK, he plays power play. He’s a great complementary player. He’s always in the right position for D. He’s a perfect center to play with.”

  • Joe Sacco Discusses Coaching Future Amid Bruins Speculation

    Joe Sacco Discusses Coaching Future Amid Bruins Speculation

    The Boston Bruins are at a fork in the road as they head into the offseason, and there are many big decisions to be made. One of those decisions is whether interim head coach Joe Sacco will be back behind the bench—or even in the organization at all. Speaking to reporters at Warrior Ice Arena on Thursday, Sacco said he still hasn’t gotten any clarity on his future with the team.

    “No,” he said when asked if there had been any talks about his role moving forward. “I think that’ll be addressed as we go. Right now, we have exit meetings today, and our players are getting their physicals. So that’ll be addressed soon.”

    A Season of Ups and Downs Under Sacco

    Sacco joined the Bruins’ staff in July 2014 and took over as interim head coach in November after Jim Montgomery was fired after an 8-9-3 start. At first, it seemed to breathe life into the team. The Bruins won seven of their first nine games with Sacco behind the bench.

    But the momentum didn’t last. Boston’s season-long problems—especially on defense—resurfaced as the season went on. Over the final 60 games, the Bruins went 24-30-6 under Sacco and missed the playoffs.

    “Everybody thinks about team defense, they think about defending in your own zone. It’s not necessarily the case,” Sacco said about the team’s struggles. “It’s other things that factor into playing team defense. It’s managing the puck, executing plays at the right time, it’s game management—all the things I’ve talked to you guys about all season.”

    He added, “It just seemed like at times we weren’t able to sustain that for 60 minutes. Whether it be execution or just sometimes lack of details, whatever the case may be, we just weren’t able to sustain it for 60 minutes of the game like we would have.”

    Players Rally Behind Sacco

    Despite the team’s struggles, several players supported Sacco, praising his leadership and ability to bring the team together during a tough season. Morgan Geekie was particularly effusive after the season ended.

    “Joe’s great. He was put in a tough spot, for sure—just where the team was at the time,” Geekie said. “And he did a good job of getting us together. It’s too bad we couldn’t play every night for him because I think when we did play, we were a good team, and you saw that after the deadline and around Christmas, just how good of a team we could be.”

    Geekie added, “He’s a good man and a good coach, and I had a lot of fun playing for him. … I can’t say enough good things about him as a coach, as a man, and how he kind of brought us down the stretch.”

    Would Sacco be Assistant Coach again?

    With his future uncertain, Sacco was asked if he’d consider returning as an assistant coach if the Bruins hire someone else as head coach. He hedged.

    “That’s a tough one,” Sacco said. “We’ll see what happens in the near future. We’ll address that if and when that comes up.”

    Ten years with the Bruins

    Regardless of what the Bruins do, Sacco is grateful for the opportunity to have coached the team, even if it was only on an interim basis. As a Medford native, coaching his hometown team meant a lot to him.

    “I’ve been very fortunate,” Sacco said. “I think just finishing up over a decade here and being part of a great organization—the Bruins have treated me very well, and they’ve been very loyal, and I feel like I’ve been loyal too. It’s worked both ways. So no, I’ve been really lucky to be in this business and be with the same team for that long. You’re pretty fortunate as an individual.”

  • Bruins Goalie Jeremy Swayman Breaks Silence on Struggles in Net This Year

    Bruins Goalie Jeremy Swayman Breaks Silence on Struggles in Net This Year

    The Boston Bruins entered the 2024-25 season with high hopes for 26-year-old goalie Jeremy Swayman who had shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons. After trading Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators and signing Swayman to an 8 year $66 million contract extension the Bruins were all in on him as their franchise goalie. But this season didn’t go as planned and both the team and the fans are frustrated.

    Swayman spoke candidly about his struggles at a press conference at Warrior Ice Arena yesterday and took full blame for his performance.

    A Season of Challenges

    This was a big step up for Swayman. He started a career high 58 games (15 more than last season) and had a heavier workload without the benefit of training camp due to his contract negotiations. Some might point to the increased pressure or lack of prep as factors but Swayman took full responsibility.

    “I take accountability,” Swayman said Thursday. “I wanted to play better. I know I can play better and that’s something I can’t wait to work on.”

    Unfortunately, the numbers tell the story. Swayman allowed the most goals in the NHL (158) and had the worst save percentage (.892) and goals against average (3.11) of his career. For a guy who was supposed to take his game to the next level those numbers were not good.

    Staying Present Amidst Adversity

    Despite everything Swayman said the importance of staying present not dwelling on past mistakes. He acknowledged the long NHL season requires mental toughness especially when things don’t go as planned.

    “We’re allowed to show that,” Swayman said referring to the struggles he had this season. “But it’s a long season and one thing I really want to be is a guy and a goalie who can stay in the moment and focus on the here and now.”

    Looking ahead Swayman is excited to be part of next year’s training camp which he views as a big opportunity to reset and set the tone for the season.

    “Moving forward I can’t wait to be part of training camp and use it as a really valuable piece to start the season,” he added. “Having competition, getting to know the guys right before the season starts and setting a standard will be key.”

    Plans for Redemption

    Swayman isn’t backing away from the expectations. As the Bruins’ number one goalie a lot will be asked of him next season and he knows it. To prepare he plans to stay in Boston all offseason to focus on his “on-ice development”.

    “I want to be a top goalie in this league and I know I can do that,” Swayman said. “It’s going to be a really good feeling to come to work every day and earn that.”

    He’s determined to bounce back and the Bruins will be counting on him to lead the charge again.

  • Six Candidates Who Could Be the Bruins’ Next Full-Time Coach

    Six Candidates Who Could Be the Bruins’ Next Full-Time Coach

    When Don Sweeney asked Joe Sacco to be the interim head coach on November 19, 2024, he gave him a tough job. The roster was bad, morale was low and expectations were nil. But Sacco didn’t hesitate, brought stability and leadership to a team in chaos.

    For a bit it looked like Sacco had righted the ship. In his first nine games the Bruins went 7-2-0, allowing 2.00 goals per game, second best in the league during that stretch. The defense settled in and the team seemed to find its footing under him.

    But as the season went on cracks started to show. The Bruins stumbled after the break and couldn’t get back on track. The trade deadline made things worse, leaving Sacco with a depleted roster and limited options. But he never complained about the hand he was dealt.

    “I was given an opportunity and I’m trying to make the most out of it the best I can,” Sacco said before the regular season finale. “Whether it’s injuries, whether it’s us at the deadline making certain moves to change the focus of the direction a little bit of the organization, my job is to prepare the players and maximize the lineup.”

    Sacco’s approach earned respect from players like Morgan Geekie who said, “Joe’s awesome. He was put in a tough situation, for sure, just with where the team was at the time. He did a great job of rallying us together.”

    Is Sacco the Right Guy Moving Forward?

    As the Bruins start to rebuild, the question remains: Is Joe Sacco the right coach for this rebuild? At 56, Sacco has been around for 11 years, handling everything from the penalty kill to coaching the defense. But with a roster full of young players headed to Providence—Frederic Brunet, John Farinacci, Vinni Lettieri, Fabian Lysell, Fraser Minten, and Ian Mitchell—the front office may want a younger voice or someone with more experience with developing players.

    Names like Joel Quenneville (66), John Tortorella (66), and Gerard Gallant (61) are too old for a rebuild. That opens the door for fresher faces with head-coaching experience. Here are six candidates who could be the Bruins’ next head coach:

    Six Who Could Be the Bruins’ Next Head Coach

    David Carle

    The University of Denver coach is 35 and has a impressive resume. Under Carle’s leadership, the Pioneers won NCAA championships in 2022 and 2024 and he guided Team USA to back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championships.

    He’s got a connection to former Bruins coach Jim Montgomery, whom he worked with at Denver, and has said he’s in no rush to leave. But if the Bruins present a good vision, he might be tempted.

    Jay Leach

    A familiar face around here, Jay Leach is the Bruins’ assistant coach for defense. Hired by Sweeney last offseason, he interviewed for the head-coaching job in 2022. He spent four years as the head coach of AHL Providence and developed key Bruins prospects like Jeremy Swayman and Jakub Lauko.

    He’s a positive guy and knows the Bruins system.

    Ryan Mougenel

    Mougenel, 49, is in his fourth season as the head coach of Providence and has developed several future Bruins, including Michael Callahan, Riley Duran, and Mason Lohrei. He’s a balancer of positivity and tough love and brings energy and a player first mentality.

    With two years as Leach’s assistant, he knows the Bruins’ pipeline and culture.

    Jay Pandolfo

    Pandolfo just finished his third season as the head coach of Boston University and led the Terriers to three straight Frozen Fours. At 50, he has a ton of experience, having coached current NHLers Lane Hutson and Macklin Celebrini.

    He was an assistant coach for the Bruins under Claude Julien and Bruce Cassidy and is well regarded for his work with forwards and the penalty kill.

    David Quinn

    Quinn, 58, is in his first season as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Before that, he was the head coach of the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers. He interviewed for the Bruins job in 2022 and is a well respected guy in hockey.

    He’s close with Charlie McAvoy and is an approachable guy, but his age might be a question mark for the long term with a rebuild.

    Marco Sturm

    Sturm, 46, is leading the Ontario Reign to their third straight AHL playoff appearance. He was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings for four years and has coached top prospects like Quinton Byfield. He was a finalist for the San Jose Sharks head coaching job last year and is ready for an NHL opportunity.

  • Should the Bruins Target a Veteran Forward from a Division Rival?

    Should the Bruins Target a Veteran Forward from a Division Rival?

    The Boston Bruins are staring down the barrel of an offseason after a 33-39-10 season. With $20-25 million in cap space, they have a chance to rebuild and move on from this underwhelming year.

    But where do they start? And who’s at the top of their list?

    Cap Space Opens Doors, But Who’s Available?

    “This is the spot they’re in. They’re gonna have $20-25 million in cap space to spend this offseason,” said George Balekji on NESN’s Boston Has Entered The Chat podcast. “We know Mitch Marner is a big free agent that could hit the open market, but how much does he want in AAV after they just spent a lot on Elias Lindholm? And also the reality of does he hits the open market? Does Toronto figure things out?”

    Balekji makes a great point. Star players like Marner rarely hit the open market. Instead, teams work out trades or extensions before that.

    “It’s like when a wide receiver is supposed to be a free agent in the NFL,” Balekji said. “The good players, like a Mitch Marner, they don’t hit the open market. If anything, they get traded like we saw happen between Carolina and the Stars and Montreal.”

    Why Mitch Marner Could Be the Perfect Fit for Boston?

    Taken 4th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2015 NHL Draft, Mitch Marner is one of the league’s top offensive talents. Last season, he scored 27 goals and 100 points in 80 games. For a Bruins team that struggled to score all season, Marner would be the answer to their prayers.

    The Maple Leafs have undergone a lot of changes over the past few years and have lost key pieces from their former stacked roster. If Toronto decides to move on from Marner, the Bruins could swoop in and add a top line winger.

    Challenges Ahead: Cap Management and Trade Realities

    Marner would definitely help the Bruins’ offense, but there are obstacles to consider. First, his price tag. After signing Elias Lindholm to a big deal, Boston has to decide how much term and money they are willing to commit to another top forward. Second, the likelihood of Marner even getting to free agency is slim. Toronto can extend him or trade him to a contender before July 1.

    Still, Balekji’s comments remind us to be proactive. If Marner becomes available—whether via trade or free agency—the Bruins need to be ready to pounce.

    Other Moves to Consider

    Even if Marner doesn’t end up in Boston, the Bruins have the cap space to go after other big names. Whether it’s bolstering the blue line, adding depth at center or finding a reliable backup goalie, general manager Don Sweeney has the means to make some big moves.