The Boston Bruins have announced the addition of Steve Spott to head coach Marco Sturm’s coaching staff, where he will serve as one of three assistant coaches and is expected to oversee the team’s power play unit.
Spott, 57, brings a wealth of experience, particularly noted for his success as the power play coach with the Dallas Stars, where he helped the team achieve a remarkable 23.7 percent conversion rate, ranking them seventh in the NHL during his tenure. This comes at a pivotal time for the Bruins, as last season they struggled significantly in this area, with a conversion rate of only 15.2 percent, placing them 29th in the league. In the previous two seasons, however, they had shown more promise, with rates of 22.2 percent, ranking 14th and 12th, respectively.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Spott stated, “I’m incredibly excited and honored to join the Boston Bruins organization. Being part of an Original Six franchise with such a proud history and tradition means a great deal to me and my family.” He is eager to contribute to the team’s legacy and work alongside Sturm and the coaching staff.
Sturm also shared his excitement, saying, “I’m thrilled to add Steve Spott to our coaching staff… His experience, especially on special teams, will be a major asset for our group and for the Bruins moving forward.”
Spott’s extensive background includes coaching roles with the Vegas Golden Knights, San Jose Sharks, and a successful stint as the head coach of the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, where he led the team to a Northern Division title. He started his coaching journey in the Ontario Hockey League, bringing a robust foundation to his new position with the Bruins.
Joining Spott are assistant coaches Jay Leach, Chris Kelly, and goaltending coach Bob Essensa, who continue from the previous coaching regime. With this new addition, the Bruins are looking to revitalize their power play and build on their storied franchise history in the upcoming season.
This hiring could signal a promising change for the Bruins as they seek to enhance their competitive edge with improved special teams performance, which is crucial for their success in the league.