The Boston Bruins announced that head coach Bruce Cassidy is fired as of today. News of the firing broke early Monday evening.
The Boston Bruins have relieved Bruce Cassidy of his duties as head coach: https://t.co/q8AE1DmjkU
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 6, 2022
Boston Bruins Fire Bruce Cassidy
Boston wants more despite 51 wins in the regular season and taking the Carolina Hurricanes to seven games in this season’s Stanley Cup playoffs. The 2019-20 Jack Adams Award winner coached 399 games with the Bruins, compiling a 245-108-46 record, His playoff record didn’t live up to his regular-season mark, going 36-37 in 73 games.
Cassidy took over for Claude Julien in 2016-17, going 18-8-1 to get Boston into the playoffs. It was the first time the Bruins reached the second season in three years. After that, his record was nearly record-breaking. He was the second-fastest coach to reach 100 wins in Bruins history. Under his control, they reached the 2018-19 Stanley Cup Final, falling to St. Louis in seven games.
Terms of his previous deal weren’t disclosed to the public, though it’s believed he had one year remaining. Boston was Cassidy’s second NHL head coaching job, following an unsuccessful 110-game run with the Washington Capitals. He had been coaching in the Bruins’ system since 2008. He joined Providence as an assistant coach in 2008, assuming head coaching duties there in 2011-12.
What This Means
The Bruins are looking for a new head coach immediately, according to general manager Don Sweeney. At this point, it’s not known how wide the search will be. There are some interesting names available, including Peter DeBoer from the Vegas Golden Knights and the legendary Barry Trotz, released by the New York Islanders last month. With Bruce Cassidy fired, what is Boston looking for to replace him?
Given the records of those other coaches available, whether they will be what Boston needs is a stretch. Obviously, the team is looking for playoff success, but whether that’s going to be possible is another thing. The team may be setting itself up for a full rebuild where they don’t re-sign Patrice Bergeron. Or do they want to push all in for one more year before David Pastrnak needs re-signing himself?
For a team brushing against the salary cap and a full roster, suddenly making a move behind the bench sends up flares. What they mean will become more clear with the names they interview. If you’re a Boston Bruins fan, hold on. This could be a bumpy offseason.
