Former Bruin Marco Sturm Gets The Head Coaching Gig In Boston
Former Bruin Marco Sturm has been tapped as the 30th Head Coach in Boston Bruins franchise history.
Sturm most recently coached the Ontario Reign, LA's AHL affiliate for the last 3 years after being an Assistant on LA's bench before that. Sturm has also had his hand in both coaching and managing Germany's National Team, helping lead them to a Silver medal in the 2018 Olympics. This will be his first Head Coaching position in the NHL.
It was interesting to hear/see the reports of the final candidates, Marco Sturm, Jay Leach, Jay Woodcroft and Mitch Love. Like I wrote previously, I wondered if Misha Donskov would get a call after the Stars lost to the Oilers in the WCF... but maybe with Peter DeBoer perhaps on the chopping block Dallas wanted to hang on to him. The Bruins did their due diligence and they landed on Sturm after Joe Sacco was told he was not coming back. Sacco is reportedly joining Mike Sullivan (Charlie McAvoy's father-in-law!) in New York with the Rangers.
Former Bruin (5 seasons between 2005-2010, no I'm not gonna mention the Joe Thornton trade), yes, but I think he's been away for the organization for a while now that it's not just Don and Cam bringing in another Bruin. But it is indeeeeed very Bruins™️ of them. Sturm gets the organization and I really like that he's the guy for this new era. How much leash will he get as a brand new head coach? That remains to be seen. Sweeney has 3 more years, and I imagine Sturm will get some leeway as the B's retool here. Should be interesting to see what happens, he's had his hand in developing some young great talent in LA and hopefully he can do the same here.
Sweeney had this to say about Sturm in his press release...
“Throughout this process, our goal was to identify a coach who could uphold our strong defensive foundation while helping us evolve offensively. We were also looking for a communicator and leader – someone who connects with players, develops young talent, and earns the respect of the room. Marco impressed us at every step with his preparation, clarity, and passion. His path – playing for multiple NHL teams, coaching internationally, and leading at both the AHL and NHL levels – has shaped a well-rounded coach who’s earned this opportunity. As a former Bruin, he understands what this team means to the city and our fans. We’re embracing a new direction with Marco behind the bench and are confident his energy, standards, and commitment to a competitive, hard-nosed brand of hockey reflect exactly what Bruins hockey should be.”
I do think his track record speaks for itself and while he doesn't have any NHL head coaching experience I like the hire. There's been a few tweets about Chris Kelly's job being in jeopardy. We'll see if Sweeney brings in new assistants for Sturm or if Sturm will be able to hire out (but let's be serious here, it's Sweeney we're talking about). While yes, it is Sturm's first stint as a Head Coach in the NHL, I still think mayyyybee they should let him bring his own guys in. I'm sure we'll get more clarity on this soon.
Head Coaching business out of the way and now it's all eyes on the draft in 3 weeks. Oh and they should probably get a Geekie extension done prior to July 1.
Obligatory Bergeron to Sturm for the OT winner at Fenway....