It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, some teams are already thinking about the future. A number of teams have already been eliminated and are thinking about what’s next. Some clubs have already made some coaching changes and are thinking about who will be behind the bench. One club that’s already thinking about their next full-time head coach is the Boston Bruins. This edition of NHL rumours talks about what possible candidates the team could look at.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins Coaching Search Could Take Shape Soon
Rumour: A number of insiders took a glimpse at who the Bruins could consider for the full-time head coaching gig.
Analysis: Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney made a puzzling change in dismissing Jim Montgomery earlier in the season. Montgomery landed on his quickly and has been one of the reasons that the St Louis Blues are poised to make the post-season. Joe Sacco took over on an interim basis, but the wheels have fallen off this season.
Boston is at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and has lost 10 straight games entering the weekend’s action. However, Jim McBride of the Boston Globe said that Sacco could still be considered to get promoted to the full-time gig. Bruins President Cam Neely said that the situation hasn’t been easy, but Sacco will still be in the mix for the job.
Seeing Boston trade away assets and start a retooling process would make it hard for any coach. Neely may feel like he wants to give Sacco a fair shot with a team that’s more prepared for a post-season push.
Other Candidates
However, there are other names that could be considered to take over the post. Jeff Marek of the Daily Faceoff gave his take on possible candidates for the job. Marco Sturm is the head coach of the Ontario Reign, who are the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, and is a name that Marek has mentioned. Sturm was given consideration during the San Jose Sharks search for a new head coach. However, San Jose went with Ryan Warsofsky as their new bench boss.
Some college coaches were also mentioned by Marek that could get interest. Western Michigan head coach Pat Ferschweiler is seemingly ready for the next step. Ferschweiler has guided the program to its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division I men’s Frozen Four. Marek connected him to the Philadelphia Flyers due to his hand in developing Alex Bump. However, it may not hurt Sweeney to give the idea a shot.
However, a solution could be right in the Bruins own backyard. Jay Pandolfo is a former NHLer and the current head coach at Boston University. He knows the area and has helped the program maintain its lofty standards. There’s been chatter over the last few seasons surrounding Pandolfo, but this could be the time to make the jump.
There’s also David Carle at Denver University that could get some consideration. He’s got a great thing going, but there could always be that opportunity to go with one of the more marquee jobs.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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