The Boston Bruins are ramping up their search for a new head coach, expanding their list of candidates significantly. Current interim head coach Joe Sacco and assistant Jay Leach are still in the running, but general manager Don Sweeney has indicated a serious interest in several external candidates. Prominent names include Rick Tocchet and Marco Sturm, among others.
Rick Tocchet, a former NHL player and coach, brings a wealth of experience from prior roles, including his most recent position as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. Despite leading the team to the playoffs in 2024, Tocchet saw his team miss the postseason this past year. Having won two Stanley Cups as an assistant coach, Tocchet is considered the top candidate, but hiring him could be costly. Other teams, including the Penguins and Flyers, are also vying for his services, with potential earnings exceeding $6 million annually.
In contrast, Marco Sturm offers a fresh perspective and a personal connection to the Bruins. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the Ontario Reign, Sturm has an impressive coaching record of 119-80-17 over three seasons. His past experience includes coaching the German national team to a surprising silver medal at the 2018 Olympics, and his familiarity with the Bruins, having played there for five years, adds to his appeal.
The coaching search is not limited to Tocchet and Sturm; the Bruins are also considering a number of other candidates such as Mike Sullivan, Peter Laviolette, Gerard Gallant, Bruce Boudreau, John Tortorella, Claude Julien, and Jay Woodcroft. Additionally, Misha Donskov, who has ties to Sweeney and was part of the 2023 title-winning Vegas squad, is also emerging as a potential candidate.
Sweeney’s approach includes evaluating coaches still active in the playoffs, which suggests that more names could soon emerge as the team looks to make a thoughtful decision moving forward after a strong regular season and a disappointing early playoff exit. This proactive search signals the Bruins’ commitment to building a competitive team for the future.
In the context of their past successes and a robust roster, the Bruins’ coaching search is an opportunity to inject new energy and strategic direction into the team. The right coaching choice could prove pivotal as they aim for deeper playoff runs in the coming seasons.