The Boston Bruins went into the offseason hoping to land a big name to get their team back to the playoffs. Mike Sullivan and Rick Tocchet were the names being thrown around as saviors for a team still reeling from a season without postseason hockey.
But things didn’t go as planned. Both Sullivan and Tocchet slipped away from the Bruins, and now the team is having to retool their search. Reports say Don Sweeney may have inadvertently scared off top tier candidates.
Rick Tocchet, in particular, had concerns about joining the Bruins due to Sweeney’s reputation among coaches. According to a source close to Tocchet, the veteran coach was worried about Sweeney’s track record with head coaches and his overall standing in the league.
Now that those big names are out of the picture, the Bruins are focusing on a smaller but interesting group of finalists. And one name is emerging as the top choice.
Jay Woodcroft Emerges as the Frontrunner
NHL insider Jimmy Murphy just dropped a bombshell on the Bruins’ coaching search. Marco Sturm and Jay Leach were the initial frontrunners, but Murphy says Jay Woodcroft—a former Edmonton Oilers head coach—is now “The Frontrunner.”
Woodcroft’s appeal is his modern coaching style, calm demeanor, and ability to manage stars while developing young players. He kept the Oilers locker room united and focused during playoff runs.
For a Bruins team looking for balance between continuity and fresh ideas, Woodcroft is an attractive option. His recent NHL experience and ability to adapt to today’s game could be just what Boston needs to revitalize the roster.
The Finalists: Continuity vs. Fresh Start
Woodcroft is gaining traction, but the Bruins are still considering their other finalists.
- Marco Sturm: A familiar face to Bruins fans, Sturm played for Boston and has coached in the organization. He knows the culture and could provide stability during a transition.
- Jay Leach: Known for his player development expertise, Leach has worked with Providence, Boston’s AHL affiliate. He’s familiar with the organization’s prospects, so he’s a safe bet for young talent.
But neither Sturm nor Leach has the same level of recent NHL head coaching experience as Woodcroft. Boston hasn’t had a coach with playoff cred and a composed presence behind the bench since Claude Julien. If the Bruins want to make a splash, Woodcroft might be their guy.
What’s at Stake for the Bruins
This couldn’t come at a worse time for the Bruins. Veterans like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci are aging, and the core of the team is in transition. Meanwhile young players need guidance to reach their potential.
A mistake in hiring a new coach could set the franchise back further, so Sweeney needs to get this right. With Woodcroft in the mix, the pressure is on the front office to make a choice that aligns with the long term goals.
Why Woodcroft Could Be the Answer
If Jay Woodcroft gets the job, it would be a shift towards a more modern approach to coaching in Boston. He’s structured but adaptable and has kept locker rooms engaged and motivated—a quality the Bruins desperately need after last season.
Plus his experience with stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could translate to working with Boston’s remaining veterans and up and coming talent.
For a team looking for stability and growth, Woodcroft’s modern tactics and steady leadership might be the perfect fit.
Final Thoughts: A Make or Break Moment for the Bruins
The coaching search has been anything but smooth but Jay Woodcroft adds a new wrinkle. Whether they go with Sturm or Leach or take a chance on Woodcroft, this decision will define the franchise.
One thing is certain: the Bruins can’t afford another mistake. For Don Sweeney this might be his last chance to get it right—and Woodcroft’s rise suggests he already knows the answer.