Bruins after dark

Insiders reveal Rick Tocchet is now the leading candidate in the Boston Bruins’ coaching search, as the front office shifts focus after a disappointing finish to the season.

The Boston Bruins may have found their man, and he’s no stranger to the Black and Gold.

According to RG.org’s James Murphy, Rick Tocchet has emerged as the top candidate for the Bruins’ vacant head coaching role.

A source close to the team didn’t mince words when discussing how serious Boston is about bringing him in.

If they can secure an interview with him, and yeah, they’re trying,

the source said.

He becomes their top target.

Tocchet, who recently stepped down from his role with the Vancouver Canucks, has been floated in several coaching rumors around the NHL.

But Boston’s interest appears to be the most serious to date.

Former Bruin drawing attention from across the league 

The 60-year-old has no shortage of suitors.

Rick Dhaliwal reported this week that Tocchet is open to offers from teams across the league — not just the East Coast, despite previous suggestions.

In fact, he’s already had conversations with the Seattle Kraken,

as confirmed by Dhaliwal and Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.

Still, Boston holds a unique card in this race: Tocchet wore the B’s sweater in the mid-90s, playing parts of two seasons with the team.

That connection, along with the Bruins’ clear desire to move fast, could give them a leg up.

Boston’s collapse behind Sacco sparks urgency for new direction

After firing Jim Montgomery, the Bruins turned to assistant coach Joe Sacco to steady the ship. It didn’t last.

The team stumbled down the stretch, finishing dead last in the Atlantic Division and tying the Philadelphia Flyers for the worst record in the East.

It was their first sub-.500 season since 2006-07, a collapse that’s left ownership and fans demanding a serious course correction.

That’s likely why Tocchet, known for his accountability and no-nonsense approach, has jumped to the top of their list.

The Bruins haven’t secured an interview with Tocchet yet, but sources say that’s in motion.

Should they get him in the room, all signs point to him becoming the frontrunner.

Whether Boston lands him or not, one thing is clear: the front office isn’t sitting idle. With expectations sky-high and pressure mounting, the Bruins want a proven leader in place, someone who can guide a course correction quickly.

For now, all eyes are on Rick Tocchet.