Head Coaching Candidates for the Boston Bruins
Two candidates are vying for the head coaching role with the Boston Bruins: Mitch Love, the assistant coach for the Washington Capitals, and Marco Sturm, who has led the Ontario Reign, an AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. This information comes from a league source who spoke on the condition of anonymity regarding personnel discussions within hockey operations.
Current Interview Process
The Bruins are currently conducting in-person interviews in Boston this week, having previously held a series of preliminary interviews via phone and video calls.
Candidate Profiles
Mitch Love, age 40, recently wrapped up his second season as an assistant to Spencer Carbery in Washington. Notably, Carbery himself was considered for the Bruins job last year but ultimately the position went to Jim Montgomery. Prior to his tenure with the Capitals, Love coached the AHL teams Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers, which serve as affiliates for the Calgary Flames.
Marco Sturm, aged 46, has just completed his third season as head coach of the Ontario Reign. He previously spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Kings before stepping into the head coaching position. Sturm has a notable history with the Bruins, having played in 302 games for the team after his move from the San Jose Sharks in the deal for Joe Thornton.
Selection Approach
The presence of both Love and Sturm in the final round of interviews indicates the Bruins are taking a unique approach in their selection process, especially since neither candidate has prior NHL head coaching experience. Sturm was also a finalist for the Sharks coaching position last year, which ultimately went to Ryan Warsofsky. Additionally, there are rumors that Love could be a candidate for vacancies with teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Seattle Kraken.
General Manager’s Perspective
General manager Don Sweeney has expressed that prior NHL head coaching experience is not essential and may be leaning towards a younger coach who can adapt and grow as the Bruins undertake a rebuilding phase.
Defensive Strategy and Team Needs
This season, Love oversaw Washington’s defensive strategy, which resulted in the Capitals allowing an average of 2.79 goals per game, ranking them eighth best in the league. Similarly, Sturm’s coaching acumen was honed under the leadership of notable Kings coaches Todd McLellan, John Stevens, and Willie Desjardins, focusing on a robust defensive system and reliable goaltending.
Sweeney emphasized the importance of integrating young players and evolving offensively, yet he underscored that without solid defense, lasting success in the NHL is unattainable.
Additional Candidates
The specifics regarding any additional finalists remain undisclosed, but interim coach Joe Sacco is reportedly considered among the final candidates for the head coaching position.
