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Tag: Bruins head coach

  • A Surprise Candidate Rises in the Bruins Coaching Race

    A Surprise Candidate Rises in the Bruins Coaching Race

    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.

  • Jay Woodcroft Emerges as Top Contender for Bruins Head Coach Role

    Jay Woodcroft Emerges as Top Contender for Bruins Head Coach Role

    The NHL coaching carousel is in full spin, and several teams have already filled their vacancies. The Rangers got Mike Sullivan, the Ducks hired Joel Quenneville, the Canucks promoted Adam Foote and the Flyers got Rick Tocchet. But one team still in the process is the Boston Bruins, and they seem to have a front runner for the job.

    According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft is the “leading candidate” for the Bruins’ head coaching position. On the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” podcast, Seravalli said Woodcroft’s interactions with the Bruins have been good so far.

    “I think it’s gone well for him there,” Seravalli said. “So I’d say keep an eye on that too.”

    Jay Woodcroft’s NHL Resume

    At 48 years old, Jay Woodcroft has a lot of experience as a head coach and assistant in the NHL. His most recent stint was with the Edmonton Oilers, where he was head coach for three seasons from 2022 to 2024.

    Woodcroft was the interim head coach in 2022 and got the Oilers to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. The next season (2022-23), he had the Oilers at 50-23-9 (109 points), and they went to the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights, another eventual Cup winner.

    But the 2023-24 season got off to a rough start for Edmonton, and they were 3-9-1. That’s when Woodcroft was let go in November, but his body of work during his tenure is solid.

    Before his time in Edmonton’s top job, Woodcroft was head coach of the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, for four seasons (105-71-21) and seven years as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks (2008-15) and three more with the Oilers (2015-18).

    What Woodcroft Has Been Doing Since His Departure?

    Since leaving the Oilers, Woodcroft hasn’t been idle. In an interview with Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis, he told me how he’s used this time to improve.

    “I’ve had a 20 year career with three different organizations and I’ve never had this time before,” Woodcroft said. “So, I’ve really tried to invest in being the best I can be. Study ways to get better. Look at communication. Look at how to improve team culture.”

    Woodcroft said his focus has been on getting player buy-in and engagement, skills he thinks will serve him well for his next opportunity. While this wasn’t what he had planned, he views it as an opportunity to get better and come back stronger than ever.

    Where the Bruins Stand in Their Search?

    The coaching search is still in its infancy. GM Don Sweeney said they’ve started Zooms and will move to in-person meetings soon. But Sweeney also said some candidates are still in the postseason, so decisions won’t be made right away.

    That opens the door for assistants like Misha Donskov of the Dallas Stars or Mitch Love of the Washington Capitals to get in the mix. But Woodcroft’s name is still gaining traction as the top guy.

    He’s got NHL head coaching experience, playoff success, and a track record of developing players. He’s the kind of coach the Bruins need after a disappointing season.

    Why Woodcroft is the Perfect Fit for Boston?

    If hired, Woodcroft would bring stability and innovation to the bench. He’s known for his great communication skills and adaptability, and gets the most out of his players. And his experience with high-powered offenses (like the Oilers’ Connor McDavid line) could translate well to Boston’s roster with David Pastrňák and Brad Marchand.

    No decision has been made yet, but Woodcroft being a leading candidate means the Bruins are serious about finding a coach who can get them back to contender status.