Boston Bruins made it official removing the interim tag from Bruce Cassidy making him the 28th head coach in team history.
He took over the spot late in the season from being a first year assistant, running up an 18-8-1 record to help them advance for the first time in three years to the postseason.
Although they were knocked out of the playoffs in 6 games by a healthy Ottawa Senators, he got the job done and deserves a shot.
It was his tenure with affiliate Providence Bruins from 2011 – 2016 that definitely helped solidify the decision to hire him full-time.
His only other time in the position was with Washington Capitals from 2002-2003.
The 51-year old was a former Chicago Blackhawks‘ 1st round pick in the 1983 draft (#18 overall) and played 36 NHL games in his 11-year pro career that ended in 1997 with Indianapolis Ice of the IHL.
He was an assistant coach for the ‘Hawks from 2004-2006.
It will be interesting to see him manage a squad that might once again be a bit challenged with enough talent to make it to see some extended hockey time.