Bruins after dark

The Boston Bruins are reportedly eyeing Peter Laviolette for their vacant head coach job, stirring talk around Laviolette, Bruins rumors, coaching carousel, and NHL offseason headlines.

Well, things just got a whole lot more interesting. On Saturday, the New York Rangers announced they were parting ways with Peter Laviolette, and just like that, one of the most experienced coaches around hit the open market.

And it didn’t take long for the Boston Bruins to show up in the conversation. With their coaching seat still open after letting Jim Montgomery go earlier this year, Boston is now rumored to be seriously considering Laviolette for the job.

Boston’s not the only team sniffing around, though. Laviolette’s name is expected to come up in talks with the Flyers, Ducks, and even the Blackhawks—basically, anyone looking for a veteran coach who’s been there, done that.

Even though this season with the Rangers fell apart (they finished 39-36-7 and missed the playoffs), it’s tough to argue against Laviolette’s resume. He led the Rangers to the Presidents’ Trophy just a year ago. He won a Stanley Cup with Carolina back in 2006. Took the Flyers and Predators to the Finals. He’s been around the block—and then some.

Of course, nothing’s locked in yet. Joe Sacco, who’s been holding down the fort since Montgomery’s exit, is still being considered for the permanent gig. Bruins management hasn’t tipped their hand too much yet about which way they’re leaning.

But with a guy like Laviolette suddenly available—and with several teams ready to jump—Boston might have to make up its mind sooner than later.

It’s a fair question. Laviolette is tough, experienced, and knows how to get a room full of pros pulling the same way. After a season that ended with a whole lot of questions, maybe that’s exactly what the Bruins need right now.

The bigger question might be: if Boston hesitates, will someone else snap him up first?