Groundbreaking News: Bruins GM Don Sweeney Confirms Return of Former Top Bruins HC—Reunion.
The Boston Bruins have officially begun their search for a new head coach, and reports suggest they have already narrowed down their list of potential candidates. General manager Don Sweeney recently spoke with Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald, confirming that the team is no longer considering coaching prospects currently active in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This decision likely rules out candidates such as Dallas Stars assistant coach Misha Donskov, who had been widely speculated to be in the running.
Sweeney further shared that the Bruins plan to finalize their new head coach “well before” the NHL Entry Draft scheduled for June. Although he didn’t provide specific names from their shortlist, he did confirm that Boston had engaged in talks with Rick Tocchet. However, Tocchet has since accepted a coaching position with the Philadelphia Flyers, eliminating him from contention.
Back in April, Sweeney acknowledged the difficulties of waiting on candidates involved in the playoffs, noting the delays and logistical challenges that can arise when seeking permission to speak with those individuals.
Currently, interim head coach Joe Sacco remains a potential choice. Sacco was appointed in November following the dismissal of former head coach Jim Montgomery. Despite a difficult stint, Sacco led the team to a 25-30-7 record. Although the Bruins missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, Sacco managed the team under increasingly challenging circumstances. The Bruins were significantly impacted by injuries, including a serious AC joint injury and subsequent infection suffered by Charlie McAvoy during the February 4 Nations Face-Off. Additionally, Hampus Lindholm spent much of the season sidelined due to a knee injury.
Further complicating Sacco’s tenure, the Bruins made several high-profile trades, moving star players Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo, and Charlie Coyle. Despite the roster disruptions, Sacco’s leadership and effort have not gone unnoticed. Team president Cam Neely has publicly recognized his performance, and Sacco remains a viable candidate for the permanent position. Assistant coach Jay Woodcroft is also being considered in the team’s ongoing evaluation.
As the offseason progresses, Bruins fans eagerly await further updates, with hopes that the new coaching decision will pave the way for a stronger, more consistent season ahead.
