Jay Woodcroft is no longer just a name floating around the rumor mill—he’s now front and center in the Boston Bruins’ coaching search.
On Wednesday’s episode of Morning Cuppa Hockey, NHL insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff referred to Woodcroft as a leading candidate for the Bruins’ vacant head coaching position.
The timing of this development is telling, especially with Rick Tocchet reportedly close to landing elsewhere, likely with the Flyers.
Though his time in Edmonton ended abruptly early this season, Woodcroft built a strong resume in a short period.
Across less than two full seasons, he led the Oilers to a 79-41-13 record.
That includes a 50-win campaign in 2022-23—something the franchise had only achieved three times before.
But it’s not just the wins. Under his leadership, the Oilers became one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the NHL. They finished first in goals per game (3.80), first in power play efficiency (29.3%), and sixth in shots on goal per game (34.0).
Boston’s leadership made it clear after the season that improving scoring is a top priority.
Bringing in a coach with that kind of offensive background makes a lot of sense.
Veteran of NHL benches with real-world credibility
Woodcroft might not have decades as an NHL head coach under his belt, but he’s no stranger to the league.
He’s been around since the early 2000s and has held nearly every position behind the bench.
He started his NHL journey in 2005 with the Detroit Red Wings as a video coach.
A few years later, he joined the San Jose Sharks as an assistant and remained there until 2015.
That’s when he moved to the Edmonton Oilers organization, where he climbed the ranks—from assistant coach to AHL head coach in Bakersfield, and finally, to running the NHL team.
In every stop, he’s been respected for his hockey IQ, attention to detail, and calm presence.
Other contenders fading fast
At the start of the week, Rick Tocchet’s name continued to come up.
But as the Flyers finalize a deal with him, Boston’s window to land him has closed.
Another name that surfaced recently was Marco Sturm, currently coaching the AHL’s Ontario Reign.
While Sturm has Bruins history on his side, he doesn’t have NHL head coaching experience—a box Boston may want checked.
Woodcroft does. And while he’s only led an NHL team for under two seasons, he did so with poise and results.
