Boston Bruins general manager provides coaching search update

The Bruins’ search for a new coach is underway and it appears they’ve narrowed down their list.

In a phone conversation with the Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy, general manager Don Sweeney confirmed he was no longer waiting on candidates who are still coaching in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

That seemingly would eliminate Dallas Stars assistant Misha Donskov, who was a popular name in rumors.

Sweeney added that the Bruins expect to have a coach “well before” the NHL Entry Draft in June.

While the GM didn’t name who was in Boston’s search, he confirmed the team spoke to Rick Tocchet — who signed with the Philadelphia Flyers.

In April, Sweeney said that waiting for permission to speak with potential candidates in the playoffs could present challenges.

Joe Sacco was named interim coach in November after the Bruins fired Jim Montgomery. He went 25-30-7 and while Boston missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, Sacco was put in a tough position that only got tougher after the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off and the trade deadline.

The Bruins struggled to find consistency and los Charlie McAvoy to an AC joint injury and infection he suffered in the February tournament. This was in addition to dealing with Hampus Lindholm’s knee injury that sidelined him for most of last season.

Then Boston traded Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo and Charlie Coyle.

Sacco’s effort with the roster he had in front of him didn’t go unnoticed by president Cam Neely. He’s among the candidates, as is Bruins assistant Jay Woodcroft.