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Head coach: Uncertainty surrounding GM in Boston pushes back candidates

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated May 18, 2025 7:14 PM ET

After a difficult start to the season, the Bruins have made a big decision.

The organization chose to fire Jim Montgomery, who had enjoyed his share of success in Boston as the team’s head coach.

The result? Joe Sacco took over as interim coach for the rest of the season. And it didn’t go so well: the Bruins finished the campaign at the bottom of the NHL standings. The fact that several players were traded at the deadline didn’t help either…

So the Bruins are looking for a new pilot right now, and in recent weeks, there have been rumors about Rick Tocchet .

The problem? Tocchet seemed to be afraid of the organization in Boston… because the team’s GM, Don Sweeney, is entering the last year of his contract as GM.

In an article by Jimmy Murphy, a source told RG Media:

His concern about the Bruins was that the GM may have 1 or 2 years left on his contract.

According to Jimmy Murphy, Tocchet also seemed unsure of how Sweeney was working with his coaches.

Which is normal, in a way, because there have been some good coaches in Boston in recent years – since Sweeney has been in charge – who have been fired…

Sources reveal Rick Tocchet didn’t pursue the Bruins’ head coach role due to uncertainty around GM Don Sweeney’s future and firing record.

via @MurphysLaw74

Full story https://t.co/vo2AKrGGoZ

– RG (@TheRGMedia) May 18, 2025

Rick Tocchet was finally hired by the Flyers and found what he wanted: stability.

In Philly, there are good young players… and Daniel Brière is doing a great job with the rebuilding of the club. There seems to be a bright future within the organization.

And the same can’t necessarily be said of the Bruins…

On the other hand, the Bruins need to start thinking faster, because the available candidates could find a buyer before too long.

The word on the street right now(Frank Seravalli) is that Jay Woodcroft is a popular name in Boston.

With Tocchet having found a job in Philly and Quenneville having been hired in Anaheim, there are fewer names available… but from what we understand, the uncertainty surrounding the GM in Boston is pushing candidates away at the moment.

And if it continues like this, it may be difficult to find someone who can work miracles with this club – which doesn’t necessarily count on much depth at all positions and in its bank of prospects.

At the very least, the Bruins will have the opportunity to talk to the 7th-ranked player next June in the first round of the draft…

Overtime

– Impressive.

Corey Perry playoff games played:

118 – with the Anaheim Ducks
108 – without the Anaheim Ducks

Insane how much action he’s had since leaving Anaheim. pic.twitter.com/f4vKt48TTU

– Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) May 18, 2025

– Good point!

Red Wings better step up next season, Tigers and Pistons both up and coming teams, Lions have been a top team in the NFL last few seasons. They risk becoming irrelevant.

– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) May 18, 2025

– Well done.