NHL News: Bruins GM Don Sweeney makes something clear to interim coach Joe Sacco ahead of crucial offseason

The Boston Bruins just wrapped up their worst NHL season in nearly two decades, finishing second-to-last in the Eastern Conference. With the fewest wins since the 2005-06 campaign, General Manager Don Sweeney and the front office are now tasked with turning the tide—starting with their choice of who will lead behind the bench. On that note, Sweeney addressed the coaching search and sent a clear message to interim boss Joe Sacco.

Not many envisioned the Bruins to turn into a complete trainwreck heading into the 2024-25 NHL season, but they did, and changes are needed immediately in Boston.

Joe Sacco was appointed as interim head coach early in the season, filling in for Jim Montgomery, who had led the Bruins to the best regular season in NHL history just two years ago. Since the decision, Sweeney, Sacco, and the Bruins endured a devastating season, while Montgomery joined the St. Louis Blues, and guided them to a playoff berth after an incredible streak in the final stretch of the regular season.

It’s impossible for Sweeney and the Bruins not to feel some level of remorse over their decision, but that’s water under the bridge now—the focus shifts to finding the best possible coach to lead the team in Beantown.

General Manager Don Sweeney of the Boston Bruins arrives at the 2019 NHL Awards at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on June 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Heading into a pivotal offseason, underlined by the major question mark surrounding the head coaching job, Joe Sacco learned where he stands in the race after Sweeney’s latest update.

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Charlie McAvoy makes something clear to Joe Sacco, David Pastrnak, rest of the team about Bruins’ disastrous season

During the Bruins’ end-of-season press conference on Wednesday morning, Don Sweeney announced the Bruins have started a head coaching search going into the offseason. Moreover, Sweeney revealed Joe Sacco is one name in consideration, following his debut season as interim coach in Boston.

Just what Boston is looking for

Sweeney stated that the franchise is seeking a coach who can help the roster ‘evolve offensively,‘ adding that he hopes the next bench boss brings some level of NHL exposure to the table.

Boston Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco talks to his players behind the bench during the first period against the Utah Hockey Club at TD Garden on November 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

With the latter comment, Sweeney may have shut the door on David Carle, who’s become a frontrunner for almost every coaching opening in the league. The University of Denver and Team USA U-20 head coach has much buzz surrounding him as he’s linked to several teams.

However, his lack of NHL experience could prove a decisive factor for some front offices—especially those that believe they’re just one step away from contention, as Sweeney and the Bruins seem to think. Boston’s core is aging; while their window isn’t shut, it might not survive the risk of an ‘experimental hire‘—which is how some perceive giving Carle his first NHL coaching opportunity.