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Tag: NHL coaching hire

  • 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.

  • Bruins Snatch Canucks Top Coaching Candidate in Shock Move

    Bruins Snatch Canucks Top Coaching Candidate in Shock Move

    The Canucks have officially moved on from the coaching search and hired Adam Foote as their new bench boss. While it brings continuity to the organization, it came at the cost of missing out on one of their top candidates— Marco Sturm. In a shocking twist, the Boston Bruins swooped in and reportedly got Sturm as their new head coach and Vancouver fans are left wondering what could have been.

    The Marco Sturm Rise

    For the last 7 years Marco Sturm has been building his coaching resume within the Los Angeles Kings organization. After 4 years as an assistant coach in the NHL, Sturm took the helm of the AHL’s Ontario Reign and spent the last 3 seasons as a head coach.

    Now 46 years old, Sturm gets his first shot at an NHL head coach—and it’s with the Boston Bruins. According to Cam Robinson of EliteProspects , Sturm will replace Jim Montgomery who was fired earlier this season and interim head coach Joe Sacco.

    It’s a surprise given Sturm was a finalist for the Canucks job. But the Canucks went with Foote, banking on continuity and a connection to the locker room to keep captain Quinn Hughes beyond 2027.

    Why the Bruins chose Sturm

    The Bruins are moving away from the veteran coach model with Montgomery and Bruce Cassidy and are going with a younger, fresher voice behind the bench.

    Sturm’s experience developing young talent in the Kings system likely played a big role in the Bruins decision. With the Bruins’ roster in transition, Sturm’s ability to develop prospects and adapt to the changing NHL landscape could be exactly what the team needs to rebuild its foundation.

    Canucks’ Gamble on Adam Foote

    While the Bruins made the headlines by getting Sturm, the Canucks are going with Adam Foote to steady the ship. Foote, a former NHL defenceman and long time assistant coach, is the safer choice for Vancouver. His lack of NHL head coaching experience is offset by his knowledge of the organization and his ability to connect with players.

    But passing on Sturm raises the question of whether the Canucks missed out on a more dynamic leader. Sturm’s mix of NHL playing experience and AHL developmental success could have brought a fresh perspective to a team in need of a turnaround.

    What This Means for Both Teams?

    This coaching carousel will be felt for years to come. For the Bruins, Sturm is a chance to redefine themselves after a bad season. His hiring means the front office is willing to take a chance on unproven but promising talent—a strategy that could pay off if done right.

    And the Canucks are counting on Foote to navigate them through the choppy waters. Whether it was the right move or not remains to be seen but one thing is for sure, Vancouver let a rising star get away.

    Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Teams

    In the end the Canucks and Bruins took two different approaches to solving their coaching problems. Vancouver went for continuity and stability, and Boston went for the guy everyone thought was going to Vancouver.

    Only time will tell who made the right decision, but for now, Bruins fans can celebrate getting a coach with upside, and Canucks fans can hope Foote can right the ship.