Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney ramps up head coach search after signing contract extension

Now officially extended through 2028, Don Sweeney is accelerating the Bruins’ coaching search before the NHL Draft arrives in late June.

For months, the Bruins front office operated under a fog of uncertainty. Now that fog has cleared.

Earlier this week, Boston inked Don Sweeney to a two-year extension, ending speculation about his future and signaling an aggressive offseason ahead.

With his own deal settled, Sweeney is diving straight into the team’s most pressing decision: who’s going to stand behind the bench next season.

Speaking with the Boston Herald, Sweeney admitted that having his contract finalized adds much-needed stability as the team moves forward with its coaching search.

Does (the resolved contract extension) help in terms of alignment when we’re talking? Yeah, there’s no question it takes away some of the question marks in the process,

… So to have a line of communication between the coach and the GM, it’s always an important variable, so I’m appreciative we have that. … The timing is probably unique in the fact that we’re going through a coaching search, but deep down, I think I was separating the personal and the professional in my approach to things.

he told veteran reporter Steve Conroy.

Bruins won’t wait on playoff coaches

Some teams choose patience when it comes to hiring—waiting to see who becomes available once the Stanley Cup Playoffs wrap. The Bruins, however, aren’t one of them.

According to Sweeney, Boston has no intention of sitting back to see if coaching options emerge from teams like Florida, Carolina, Edmonton, or Dallas.

That eliminates several high-profile possibilities. But it also speaks to the Bruins’ desire to move quickly, especially with the NHL Draft right around the corner.

While Sweeney kept external candidates close to the chest, he did acknowledge that Joe Sacco, who stepped in as interim head coach, and Jay Leach are both being considered for the permanent role.

Both bring internal familiarity, and in a transition year, that might carry weight.

Still, the front office seems open to a fresh voice. With long-term direction on the line, this is far more than a stopgap decision.

Missed connections with Sullivan and Tocchet