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Marco Sturm era begins as Boston Bruins face major decision

Originally posted on Bruins After Dark | By Jake Donovan | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 12:35 AM ET

The Bruins have hired Marco Sturm as their next head coach, ending a detailed search and kicking off what’s expected to be a decisive offseason in Boston.

Sturm earns the job over Leach and Love

The Boston Bruins made it official on Thursday morning, announcing Marco Sturm as the new head coach.

His name had been linked to the vacancy for more than a week, and sources confirmed that he, Jay Leach, and Mitch Love were the final candidates in the mix.

Sturm ultimately separated himself during the final round of interviews and was chosen to guide the team into its next phase.

The Bruins had been thorough in their search as they look to usher in a new era behind the bench.

The move also brings a firm end to the Joe Sacco chapter in Boston.

Joe Sacco out, Jay Leach may stay

With Sturm’s hiring, the Bruins confirmed that Joe Sacco will not return to the bench in any capacity.

His brief stint as interim head coach was not the spark the team hoped for, and he is no longer part of the club’s future plans.

Jay Leach, however, could remain on staff. While he was passed over for the head role, multiple sources say the Bruins see value in keeping him in place as an assistant coach.

Leach is said to be good for the culture and with the Bruins looking to usher in a new era, some familiarity on the defensive side of things could be a good path to take to ease the transition.

Sturm’s hiring doesn’t appear to signal a full bench overhaul, but a blend of new leadership and internal stability.

Bruins now turn focus to re-signing Morgan Geekie

With the head coaching position finalized, the Bruins’ attention now shifts to the roster—starting with Morgan Geekie. After a breakout 33-goal, 57-point campaign, the 26-year-old is due for a new contract.

He’ll be one year away from UFA status this summer and is expected to draw strong interest if he becomes available.

With the Bruins looking to remain a competitive team and return to the playoffs next spring, re-upping Geekie will be a top priority for the club this summer.

There’s no official word yet on the direction Boston will go, bridge deal or long term, but the comparables are already out there.

Contract comps suggest Geekie’s price tag is rising

While I can’t say for certain what a Geekie contract will look like in the long term or a bridge, the Noah Cates four year, $16 million contract does set a floor for what Geekie will command.

Cates was a year from UFA status too but posted significantly lower numbers.

If the Bruins choose to go the distance with Geekie, the Matt Coronato deal (seven years, $45.5 million) could serve as a framework.

One way or another, the Bruins know Geekie is going to cost more than he did last season. And if their offseason is about securing key pieces, this one will be near the top of the list.

This article first appeared on Bruins after dark and was syndicated with permission.

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