Bruins make several changes to Jim Montgomery's coaching staff
The Boston Bruins announced several changes to Jim Montgomery's coaching staff on Wednesday, the biggest being the return of Jay Leach to the organization as an assistant coach.
In addition, Joe Sacco has been promoted to associate coach and John McLean is shifting from the coaching staff to the player development staff as a skating and skills coach.
Leach, 44, previously spent five seasons with the AHL Providence Bruins, including four as head coach from 2017-21. He spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken, who made a coaching change after missing the playoffs this season.
Leach, a defenseman who went to Providence College and played 70 games in the NHL, will focus on the Bruins' defense after the team went without a traditional defense coach last season.
Sacco, a forward as a player, took the lead on the defense corps last year, but the unit took a step back, giving up more net-front chances, spending more time in the defensive zone, and not getting as involved offensively. Leach will be tasked with helping the defense take a step forward in 2024-25.
"The Boston Bruins are excited to welcome Jay Leach back to the organization," Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said in a statement. "Jay was a very successful coach with the Providence Bruins where he greatly impacted our player development system, and he also brings valuable experience as an assistant coach from the Seattle Kraken. We believe Jay will integrate quickly and complement our current staff as he comes back to the Bruins to work with our defense corps."
Sacco's promotion to associate coach solidifies him as Montgomery's right-hand man and top lieutenant, which was really already the case. Among other duties, Sacco is expected to remain in charge of the penalty kill, which had another stellar season under his watch.
McLean didn't occupy a traditional assistant coach role that focused on any one unit, but instead worked on skating and skills development during practices while serving as an "eye in the sky" during games.
"I'm thrilled to have Jay Leach join our coaching staff," Montgomery said. "Jay has an impressive track record at both the AHL and NHL level, and his experience connecting with players will greatly benefit our team."
"I'd like to congratulate Joe Sacco on his promotion to Associate Coach. Joe has been an integral part of this staff due to his experience and the passion he brings to our group every day," added Montgomery. "I also want to thank John McLean for his work as an Assistant Coach this past season, and I'm grateful his knowledge of the game will continue to be a tremendous asset for our player development group."
The team press release does not mention whether any changes will be made when it comes to responsibility for coaching the power play, which struggled this past season, especially in the second half. That unit was led by Montgomery and Chris Kelly, who remains on staff as an assistant coach.
