Boston Bruins News, Schedule, Tickets, and History | Unofficial Fan Guide

Tag: Don Sweeney

  • Narrowed Coaching Search, Alleged Voter Fraud, and a Possible Blockbuster Trade

    Narrowed Coaching Search, Alleged Voter Fraud, and a Possible Blockbuster Trade

    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.

  • 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.

  • Boston Bruins Dealt 2 Brutal Injury Blows in Season-Altering Update

    Boston Bruins Dealt 2 Brutal Injury Blows in Season-Altering Update

    The Boston Bruins’ playoff hopes just got a whole lot harder. With defenseman Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm out due to injury, the team is in trouble defensively. GM Don Sweeney gave updates on both players and not good news for Bruins fans.

    Hampus Lindholm’s Season Done

    Sweeney said Sunday that Hampus Lindholm is “unlikely” to return this season after fracturing his patella (kneecap). Lindholm suffered the injury blocking a shot in November and had surgery shortly after. He’s scheduled for a follow up next week which will end his season.

    Before the injury Lindholm was playing big minutes (20:51 per game) and had 7 points in 17 games. His absence is a huge hole on the blue line especially given his experience and defensive reliability.

    Charlie McAvoy’s Uncertain Future

    Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is out of the lineup with no timeline for return. McAvoy hurt his shoulder playing for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament and played another game after the injury. The Bruins were not happy with how Team USA managed the situation.

    To make matters worse, McAvoy was in the hospital for an infection recently. Sweeney wouldn’t elaborate but said McAvoy’s timeline is still uncertain. Before the injury McAvoy was averaging 23:40 minutes of ice time per game and 26 points in 48 games this season.

    Impact on the Boston Bruins’ Playoff Hopes

    Losing Lindholm and McAvoy is a huge hit to the Bruins’ playoff chances. Those two defensemen were 1st and 2nd on the team in ice time. Who’s going to fill the void?

    As of now the Bruins are 4th in the Eastern Conference wild-card race, one point behind the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets for the last playoff spot. But the Bruins have played one more game than the teams around them so it’s even tougher.

    FAQs About the Boston Bruins’ Injury Crisis

    Is Hampus Lindholm playing this season?

    No, he’s “out” after fracturing his patella. He’ll have a follow up procedure next week which will end his season.

    When is Charlie McAvoy back?

    No timeline. He’s still in the hospital due to an infection from his shoulder injury at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

    How important are McAvoy and Lindholm to the Bruins?

    McAvoy leads the team in average ice time (23:40) and has contributed 26 points this season, while Lindholm ranked second in ice time (20:51) and provided steady defensive play before his injury.