Boston Bruins’ coaching race heats up with four top contenders left

The Boston Bruins are still without a permanent head coach as the offseason ramps up, and the clock is ticking.

Several NHL teams have already locked in their bench bosses, leaving Boston—and a few others—still in search mode.

Sports journalist Andrew Fantucchio shared a breakdown on social media showing who’s been hired and who remains on the board:

Updated list of NHL coaching hires:

Rangers: Mike Sullivan

Ducks: Joel Quenneville

Flyers: Rick Tocchet

Canucks: Adam Foote

The #NHLBruins, Blackhawks, Penguins, and Kraken are all still searching. Jay Woodcroft, Marco Sturm, Misha Donskov, and Mitch Love are among the top candidates still available.

LAVAL, CANADA – FEBRUARY 5: Head Coach of the Pacific Division All-Stars Mitch Love on the red carpet before the 2023 AHL All-Star Skills Competition at the Place Bell on February 5, 2023 in Laval, QC, Canada. (Photo by Vitor Munhoz / Arena du Rocket Inc.)

So far, Boston has missed out on some of the big names. But one former Bruin is still in play, and insiders believe he’s firmly on the team’s radar.

Marco Sturm may be next in line—if Bruins act quickly

According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, there’s legitimate momentum building around Marco Sturm and Boston.

On his recent appearance on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Friedman noted that Sturm is being seriously considered.

I think Sturm has a real chance in Boston,

Friedman said.

So, again, I think he may have options, especially depending on what Boston decides to do… Boston has interviewed Sturm, and I think they like Sturm… I think Sturm has a chance there. We’ll see. I wouldn’t say that’s a done deal by any stretch, but I think he’s got a chance. We’ll see.

Sturm, who suited up for the Bruins from 2005 to 2010, built a strong reputation in Boston for his two-way play and timely goals.

Since retiring, he’s stayed in the game through international coaching and player development roles, giving him a well-rounded background many teams look for in a modern NHL coach.

Boston has already spoken with him, and there seems to be mutual interest.

If the Bruins are looking for a coach who understands the city, its fan base, and the demands of the job, Sturm fits the profile.

Why Boston needs to act before the market dries up

With fewer names left on the board, the Bruins are nearing a make-or-break moment.

Interim coach Joe Sacco did a respectable job under difficult circumstances, but the front office wants a long-term solution—and so do the players.

The Blackhawks, Penguins, and Kraken are also still hunting, and once one team makes a move, the others will likely follow fast.

The Bruins can’t afford to hesitate if they believe Sturm is their guy.

This hiring isn’t just about tactics or X’s and O’s. It’s about setting a tone for the future of the franchise.

After back-to-back years of postseason letdowns, the Bruins need someone who brings both a fresh perspective and a strong connection to the club’s identity.

Fans waiting as Bruins weigh their next move

AUGSBURG, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Marco Sturm of Germany watches from the sidelines during the Deutschland Cup 2017 match between Germany and USA at Curt-Frenzel-Stadion on November 12, 2017 in Augsburg, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Nothing has been finalized, but there’s no question Sturm has emerged as a top candidate.

His NHL experience, calm demeanor, and connection to Boston make him a compelling option, especially in a shrinking market.

Whether the Bruins make the call this week or drag it out longer, it’s clear the team is under pressure to get this hire right.

With so many variables in play, this decision could shape the club’s direction for years to come.

For fans and players alike, clarity can’t come soon enough.

Bruins after dark