Breaking News: Coaching Finalist Reportedly Snagged. As the Vancouver Canucks move forward with Adam Foote as their newly appointed head coach following Rick Tocchet’s departure, some of the other coaching contenders have begun securing opportunities elsewhere. One such name is Marco Sturm, a familiar face to Canucks fans, who reportedly was among the finalists considered for Vancouver’s coaching vacancy.
According to a report from Cam Robinson of EliteProspects, Sturm, 46, is now expected to be hired by the Boston Bruins. He is set to replace former head coach Jim Montgomery, who was recently let go, along with interim bench boss Joe Sacco. The Bruins’ decision to bring in Sturm marks a pivotal moment for both the coach and the franchise as they seek fresh direction behind the bench.
Sturm, a former NHL forward and one-time member of the Canucks during his playing days, has been steadily building his coaching résumé. For the past seven seasons, he has been with the Los Angeles Kings organization. He spent his first four seasons as an assistant coach at the NHL level before transitioning to a head coaching role with their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, over the past three seasons. His time leading the Reign helped establish his credentials as a capable bench boss, managing a development-heavy squad and helping shape the Kings’ pipeline.
This reported hiring comes as a disappointment to those in Vancouver who had hoped to see Sturm back in British Columbia, this time behind the bench. The Canucks, however, opted to go with Adam Foote—an NHL veteran with less coaching experience but a strong relationship with current team captain Quinn Hughes. This decision was seen by many as a strategic move to ensure continuity and potentially sway Hughes to commit long-term to the organization beyond his current contract, which expires in 2027.
With Sturm now reportedly off to Boston, the Bruins appear to be banking on his development-first approach and deep knowledge of the modern NHL game. Meanwhile, the Canucks are taking a calculated risk by handing the reins to a newer face in the coaching world, hoping the gamble pays off in stability and long-term success.
