Boston Bruins coaching search heats up with big names and familiar faces in mix

The Boston Bruins are actively shopping for their new head coach, and the list of candidates is growing. Interim head coach Joe Sacco and assistant Jay Leach are both on the list. General manager Don Sweeney has this week all but admitted that the Bruins are also looking at outside candidates, including Rick Tocchet, Marco Sturm, and several other top-brass coaches throughout the NHL.

Rick Tocchet brings experience and strong connections to Boston Bruins’ leadership

Rick Tocchet is the most experienced and highest-profile name connected to the Bruins' debut. The 61-year-old former NHLer just stepped down as the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks after three seasons. He led Vancouver to the second round of the playoffs in 2024 but watched the team miss the playoffs again this season.


Rick Tocchet is also a former Tampa Bay and Arizona coach and possesses two Stanley Cup rings as an assistant coach.

https://t.co/W2H1OikZQ2 #nhl #NHLBruins The Boston Bruins have initiated a coaching search, with GM Don Sweeney revealing that initial conversations have begun with potential candidates. Sweeney noted that insights from past coaching evaluations will inform their decision-making…

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However, hiring Tocchet will cost. Several clubs the Penguins, Flyers, and Kraken, among others are also interested in his services. Sources say he can earn over $6 million a year for five years, putting him among the highest-paid coaches in league history.

Marco Sturm brings fresh insight and a solid Boston connectionIf the Bruins seek a cheaper but talented alternative, Marco Sturm may be the solution. Sturm, age 46, currently is an assistant coach for the Ontario Reign, the Los Angeles Kings' AHL affiliate. He has amassed a 119-80-17 record over three seasons.


He made headlines way back in 2018 when he guided Germany to a shocking silver medal at the Winter Olympics without the participation of NHL players.


Marco Sturm was also an assistant coach with the Kings from 2018 to 2022. As a former NHL forward and having played for 15 years, including five with the Bruins, he knows the town and knows the team. His coaching style is modern, and his international experience might win over Sweeney's new-wave minds.


These have been other names that have been referred to the Bruins: Mike Sullivan, Peter Laviolette, Gerard Gallant, Bruce Boudreau, John Tortorella, Claude Julien, and Jay Woodcroft.


Another whose name is up and coming includes Misha Donskov, who is at present an assistant coach for the Dallas Stars. He has previously been involved with Sweeney and was part of Vegas's title-winning squad of 2023.


Sweeney said he's looking at coaches who are currently still in the playoffs as well, so more names could come in the near term. The Bruins are keen to get the right one as they look to the future after a good season and early playoff exit.


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