The Boston Bruins won’t see any additional coaching departures this offseason after appointing Marco Sturm as their new head coach, general manager Don Sweeney confirmed to the Boston Globe’s Jim McBride.
This decision brings a sense of continuity to an organization that has been through its fair share of change. Alongside Sturm, assistants Chris Kelly, Jay Leach, and goalie coach Bob Essensa will form the core of his first support staff in Boston — a group that offers both experience and familiarity with the team’s culture.
But while most of the current assistant staff is staying put, the Bruins are still looking to make one more addition — a third assistant to replace Joe Sacco, who recently left for a role with the New York Rangers under Mike Sullivan.
The Departure of Joe Sacco
Sacco had served as interim head coach for the 2024 season following Jim Montgomery’s firing, and over the years, he played a key role in shaping the Bruins’ penalty kill, one of the best in the league during his time on the bench.
Now, with Sacco gone, the team is tasked with finding someone who can step into a similar role, especially with the need to revamp their struggling special teams unit.
“We’re going to look to bring in a third assistant,” Sweeney said. “Joe was part of our staff for a long time, but we had to move forward.”
Sacco now joins Mike Sullivan’s staff in New York, leaving behind a legacy of defensive excellence and a big void to fill.
Jay Leach’s Future and the Coaching Carousel
One of the most interesting storylines from this coaching update is the future of Jay Leach, who was among the final candidates for the head coaching job.
It’s not unusual for assistant coaches to seek new opportunities after being interviewed for a head coaching position, especially if they weren’t promoted.
Leach remained with the team despite missing out on the top job, and his continued presence could help ease the transition for Sturm as he steps into his new role.
“Keeping Leach around gives us some stability and helps with the cultural fit,” Sweeney added.
That kind of internal consistency may be exactly what the Bruins need as they begin a new chapter under Sturm.
The Penalty Kill Role: A Critical Piece
The opening created by Sacco’s departure is expected to go to someone who can focus heavily on the penalty kill — a unit that saw a sharp decline in performance last season.
Over the past 11 seasons, the penalty kill under Sacco ranked second in the NHL at 82.8%, trailing only the Carolina Hurricanes (84.2%). But in 2024, the Bruins fell to 24th in the league with just 76.3% success — a drop that needs addressing.
Whoever steps into that role will have big shoes to fill. It’s a high-impact position, and getting it right could mean the difference between playoff success and another early exit.
Potential Candidates for the Assistant Coach Role
While no name has been officially linked yet, there are a few intriguing possibilities.
Greg Cronin, former head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, has already expressed interest in joining the Bruins’ staff. Known for his detailed approach to special teams, Cronin could be a perfect fit for the penalty kill-focused role.
Other names in play include Dave Lowry, who spent time with the Seattle Kraken, and Brent Thompson, previously with the Ducks. Both are experienced hands with strong special-teams backgrounds and could bring a fresh perspective to the table.
Finding the right person to complement the existing staff will be crucial, especially if the Bruins want to improve their shorthanded defense and return to championship contention.
Final Thoughts: A Smart, Strategic Move
On the surface, this might seem like a quiet coaching shakeup. But when you dig deeper, it reveals a smart, strategic plan from Don Sweeney and Marco Sturm.
By keeping familiar faces in place and targeting a specialist for the penalty kill, the Bruins are striking a balance between stability and specialization, two critical elements in building a winning culture.
If the right hire comes in, this could be a move that pays off big time come playoff time next spring.
For now, all eyes are on how this new coaching trio — and whoever fills the fourth spot — will shape the identity of the 2025 Bruins.
