The head coaching position for the Boston Bruins has remained uncertain since Jim Montgomery was dismissed in November 2024 following a disappointing start to the NHL season. Since then, Joe Sacco has served as interim head coach. The team later faced another shake-up with the departure of Brad Marchand, leaving David Pastrnak as the standout star on the roster.
The team’s inconsistent results and the need for stronger leadership have prompted management to seek a new head coach with experience and a clear vision for a roster undergoing a transitional phase. In this context, the Bruins appear to have a new candidate in sight.
According to ClutchPoints, former Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has emerged as the leading candidate to take over as head coach of the Bruins for the 2025–26 NHL season. The replacement for the interim Sacco may be close to arriving.
Tocchet is considered the preferred choice by the Bruins’ management to lead the team in the upcoming season. The coach stepped down from his position with the Canucks after deciding not to extend his contract for the following season.
Rick Tocchet, former head coach of the Vancouver Canucks
Will Tocchet be the new head coach of the Bruins?
The situation is complicated, as Tocchet chose to turn down the Canucks, citing his desire to prioritize his family. At the same time, the former Vancouver coach said he wants to explore other opportunities within the hockey world.
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Tocchet was honored with the Jack Adams Award as Coach of the Year in 2024 after leading the team to the Pacific Division title and an impressive playoff run. With an overall regular-season record of 286–265–87, the former Tampa Bay Lightning coach stands out as a strong option to revitalize the Bruins and guide them toward new goals in the NHL.
