Jim Montgomery is expected to keep much of the Bruins' coaching staff in place, but there was one opening to fill after the team let Kevin Dean go following the season.
That opening has now been filled. The team announced on Wednesday that it has hired John Gruden (no, not the football one) as an assistant coach.
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Gruden, 52, had spent the last four seasons as an assistant with the New York Islanders. Prior to that, he was head coach of the OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs and won the OHL title there in 2017-18. Gruden also spent time as an assistant coach in the U.S. National Team Development Program.
As a player, Gruden was an eighth-round pick of the Bruins in 1990. After graduating from Ferris State University, he played 59 games with the Bruins from 1994-96. He also spent time with the Providence Bruins and went on to play 33 more NHL games with the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals.
Given that he was a defenseman himself and has worked with defensemen in the past, it would make sense if Gruden takes over handling the Bruins' D, which is what Dean was doing.
Joe Sacco, Chris Kelly and goalie coach Bob Essensa are all expected to remain in place on Montgomery's staff, so Gruden's hire effectively finalizes the staff, barring any late changes.
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