The Boston Bruins made headlines this week by unexpectedly firing head coach Jim Montgomery and appointing Joe Sacco as interim head coach. This decision surprised fans, particularly as the Bruins are currently navigating a challenging phase, holding an 8-9-3 record for 19 points and sitting in fourth place in the Atlantic Division.
As Sacco takes the helm, many believe he may not be the long-term solution for the team. There are two notable head coaches available for hire: one a highly respected coaching figure with some off-ice controversies, and the other a currently underperforming coach still in demand.
So, will the Bruins pursue one of these options? Or do they already have a preferred candidate in mind who has yet to be announced?
Joel Quenneville
Joel Quenneville, a 66-year-old coach from Windsor, Ontario, is a seasoned veteran with 25 years of coaching experience. He has led the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, and Chicago Blackhawks. His career record stands at 969 wins, 572 losses, and 77 overtime losses, boasting an impressive .612 points percentage. Quenneville is a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks (in 2010, 2013, and 2015) and won the Jack Adams Award for the league’s best coach in the 1999-2000 season.
If the Bruins can overlook the off-ice issues that led to his departure from Chicago, Quenneville could be at the top of their list for Montgomery’s replacement, given his extensive experience, championship success, and winning record. He might be considered the best coach currently not in the NHL.
Todd McLellan
Todd McLellan has 16 years of experience as an NHL head coach, having worked with the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Edmonton Oilers. His overall coaching record is 598 wins, 412 losses, and 134 overtime losses, with a points percentage of .581. He was let go by the Kings during the 2023-24 season and has not secured another head coaching position since.
While he is not as favored as Quenneville, McLellan remains a viable candidate for Boston due to his experience and ability to connect with players. Despite his less-than-ideal playoff history, the Bruins’ system could potentially enable him to achieve playoff success.
The situation in Boston is unusual. They have parted ways with one of their most successful coaches in recent history, yet for the moment, they lack a permanent head coach. Will they promote from within, hire McLellan or Quenneville, or look to bring in someone from the American Hockey League (AHL)?
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