Boston Bruins Set to Name New Head Coach After Disappointing Season

The Bruins appear to have found their new permanent head coach to replace Joe Sacco, who took over from the fired Jim Montgomery in late November on an interim basis.

Per multiple reports, Boston is set to name former Bruins forward Marco Sturm as their new head coach and the official full-time successor to Montgomery.

Sturm already has coaching experience with the German national team in international play, as well as having served as an assistant with the Los Angeles Kings and head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign.

He played for the Bruins during his NHL career from late 2005 through 2010; he was acquired by Boston in November 2005 from the San Jose Sharks as part of the blockbuster Joe Thornton trade.

The Bruins are only 2 years removed from setting the new NHL record for 65 victories in a regular season, but they're going through a difficult transition right now.

Not only did they trade several players at the Trade Deadline, including captain Brad Marchand to the divisional foe Florida Panthers, but their slow start to the year resulted in the firing of head coach and former Jack Adams Trophy winner Jim Montgomery.

Assistant coach Joe Sacco took over for the rest of the year on an interim basis, but wasn't able to lead the club to the playoffs. When it became clear that the team wasn't going to go on a run to try and claim one of the last Wild Card playoff spots, they began selling off assets.

Gone are Marchand along with Brandon Carlo, Charlie Coyle, and Trent Frederic, while goaltender Jeremy Swayman failed to live up to the expectations that came with his massive new deal he held out for until the eve of the season opener.

While Sturm appears to be all-but hired, former Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft and Capitals assistant Mitch Love are still very much in the race.

We will see where this one goes, as the future in Boston gets a little more clear.