Jay Woodcroft (© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)The Boston Bruins are currently searching for their next head coach. One of their top choices, Rick Tocchet, recently came off the board after being hired by the Philadelphia Flyers. While this is the case, the Bruins have also been browsing the market for other potential bench bosses.
A new name is now being connected to the Bruins. During a recent episode of Daily Faceoff's Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast, NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared that he believes former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft is a "leading candidate" for the Bruins' vacant job.
"Here's the wrinkle that I'll throw into the narrative about Jay Woodcroft potentially linking back up with Ken Holland. I think [Woodcroft's] a leading candidate in Boston as well," Seravalli said. "I think things have gone well with him there, so I would say that you have to keep an eye on that as well."
Woodcroft is one of the top remaining coaches looking for their next NHL gig. The 48-year-old last coached at the NHL level with the Oilers during the 2023-24 season. He was let go by the Pacific Division club after they had a disastrous 3-9-1 start to the campaign.
While Woodcroft's time with the Oilers ended on a rough note, he undoubtedly had success in Edmonton. During the 2022-23 season, he led the Oilers to an impressive 50-23-9 record. Furthermore, after becoming the Oilers' head coach following Dave Tippett's firing in the middle of the 2021-22 season, Woodcroft led Edmonton to a 26-9-3 record.
Nevertheless, this will certainly be something to watch as the Bruins continue their coaching search. Given his resume, Woodcroft would have the potential to be a good hire for the Bruins, but time will tell if he ends up being their guy.
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