BOSTON – The Boston Bruins announced the hiring of Marco Sturm as their new head coach on Thursday. His primary task is to lead the Original Six franchise back to the postseason, which they failed to reach this year for the first time since 2016.
Marco Sturm at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.
Sturm, a 46-year-old German national, takes over from interim coach Joe Sacco. Sacco assumed the role in November after Jim Montgomery`s departure, guiding the team to a 25-30-7 record, much of which came after significant roster changes at the trade deadline. Sturm is a familiar face, having played for Boston previously (2005-2010), mirroring the history of current Bruins president Cam Neely and general manager Don Sweeney. Before this role, Sturm coached the AHL`s Ontario Reign for three seasons, achieving a 119-80-11-6 record and three playoff berths. He also notably led the German national team to a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Sturm stated, “Boston has always held a special place in my heart, and I know how much this team means to the city and to our fans. I’ve felt that passion as a player, and I can’t wait to be behind the bench and feel it again. I’m excited to get to work and do everything I can to help this team succeed.”
As a player, Sturm was a three-time Olympian and a first-round NHL draft pick. He played 938 career games over 14 seasons, primarily with the San Jose Sharks and the Bruins, recording 242 goals and 245 assists. He ranks second among German-born players in NHL history for career points.
General Manager Don Sweeney commented on the hire, saying, “His path — playing for multiple NHL teams, coaching internationally, and leading at both the AHL and NHL levels — has shaped a well-rounded coach who’s earned this opportunity.” Sweeney emphasized Sturm`s connection to the team`s identity: “As a former Bruin, he understands what this team means to the city and our fans. We’re embracing a new direction with Marco behind the bench and are confident his energy, standards, and commitment to a competitive, hard-nosed brand of hockey reflect exactly what Bruins hockey should be.”
Sacco, who had previously been a Bruins assistant and head coach for the Colorado Avalanche, took over from Montgomery just 20 games into the season. However, the team struggled to contend for a playoff spot. This led Sweeney to trade key veterans, including captain Brad Marchand, resulting in the Bruins finishing with a 33-39-10 overall record, tied for the worst in the Eastern Conference.
Only three NHL teams had a worse record. Following the disappointing season, CEO Charlie Jacobs publicly stated the results were “absolutely unacceptable,” offering an apology to the fans. He added, “We owe you a better team, and we aim to deliver a better team,” and shared his “disappointment and, frankly, embarrassment on how poorly things played out.”
Sacco was reportedly considered for the permanent head coaching position, alongside other candidates such as Washington Capitals assistant Mitch Love, former Chicago Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson, and Bruins assistant Jay Leach.
Montgomery, 55, had a successful tenure in his first two-plus seasons in Boston, compiling a 120-41-23 record. The team exceeded 100 points in each of his first two seasons, including a historic 2022-23 campaign where their 65 wins and 135 points set new NHL records.
Despite the regular season success, the Bruins were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in the record-setting year and only reached the second round the following season. The team`s difficulties continued into the current season, starting 8-9-3, which led to Montgomery`s dismissal. He quickly found a new role, signing a five-year contract with the St. Louis Blues just five days later. The Blues made the playoffs this year, losing in the first round in seven games to the Winnipeg Jets.
Boston`s performance did not improve under Sacco`s interim leadership.
Approaching the trade deadline on a three-game losing streak, leaving their record at 28-28, the Bruins made significant moves. They traded away several players, notably Brad Marchand, the last remaining member of the 2011 Stanley Cup-winning roster, along with forwards Justin Brazeau, Marc McLaughlin, Trent Frederic, Charlie Coyle, and defenseman Brandon Carlo. Sacco remained as coach through the remainder of the season.
With the roster significantly weakened by trades, the team suffered a 10-game losing streak (a stark contrast to the just 12 total losses in the 2022-23 season under Montgomery), effectively moving them from a potential playoff team to participating in the NHL draft lottery.
Despite the team`s struggles, General Manager Don Sweeney received a two-year contract extension. Bruins president Cam Neely stated this move provided front-office stability during the coaching search. Neely expressed confidence in Sweeney`s recent plan, saying, “I am confident in the plan he has followed these past few months — and excited for what’s to come for our team.” He reiterated the team`s core objective: “The expectations in Boston have always been clear. It’s about winning championships.”
Tristan Blackwood