Marco Sturm Finalizes Coaching Staff: Bruins Bolster Bench with Steve Spott Joining Jr. King Alum as Assistant

In a decisive and strategic move, Marco Sturm has officially completed his first major task as head coach of the Boston Bruins — finalizing his coaching staff. The Bruins announced on Sunday that longtime NHL assistant Steve Spott will join Sturm behind the bench, bringing an extensive wealth of experience and an established working relationship with the new head coach. This move signals Boston’s commitment to stability, continuity, and championship-caliber preparation as they seek to stay in the thick of the Stanley Cup conversation.

Sturm, who was appointed as the Bruins’ head coach earlier this month after Jim Montgomery’s departure, wasted no time assembling his support team. The decision to bring in Spott isn’t just about comfort — it’s about vision. The duo previously worked together during their time with the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, and their partnership was instrumental in guiding young talent and developing a winning structure. Now, they’ll look to bring that same synergy to the NHL level in Boston.

Spott arrives in Boston with a résumé that spans nearly three decades of coaching experience, including assistant roles with the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights, and, most recently, the Dallas Stars. His reputation as a players-first coach, paired with his tactical acumen on special teams, makes him a valuable addition to Sturm’s new regime.

For Sturm, hiring Spott is a natural extension of his leadership philosophy. “Steve is someone I trust deeply, both on and off the ice,” Sturm said in the team’s official statement. “We share the same values when it comes to player development, communication, and work ethic. Having someone beside me who knows my coaching style and can challenge me when necessary — that’s a critical piece of building something strong here in Boston.”

In addition to Spott, the Bruins confirmed the return of goalie coach Bob Essensa, whose two-decade tenure with the organization has made him one of the most respected voices in goaltending development across the league. The combination of new energy from Sturm and Spott with the steady presence of Essensa could create a well-balanced, innovative bench — one with the potential to blend fresh ideas with proven methods.

Spott’s recent coaching stint with the Dallas Stars gave him another deep playoff run under his belt, and his work with special teams has long been regarded as elite. During his time in San Jose, he helped the Sharks finish among the league’s best in power-play efficiency. Bruins fans, often vocal about the team’s inconsistent man-advantage performances, will welcome any improvement in that department.

The Sturm-Spott reunion also taps into a deeper connection rooted in the Southern California hockey scene, where both men helped lay the foundation for the region’s growing presence in the NHL. Sturm’s roots with the Jr. Kings program, both as a player and coach, helped shape his development philosophy — one focused on discipline, speed, and accountability. Spott, who worked closely with development programs in both Canada and the U.S., mirrors many of those same principles.

Former players and colleagues have spoken highly of both men in recent years. “Marco and Steve are guys who care deeply about the process,” said a former Ontario Reign player who requested anonymity. “They’re not afraid to be tough, but they always have your back. You always know where you stand with them.”

For Bruins management, the pairing represents an investment in coaching chemistry. General Manager Don Sweeney emphasized that the hiring process was collaborative and deliberate. “We weren’t just looking for résumés — we were looking for fit,” Sweeney said. “Marco wanted people around him who could bring experience, challenge ideas, and support a culture of continuous improvement. Steve fits that mold perfectly.”

While it remains to be seen how this new staff will fare when the puck drops in October, the message from the front office is clear: the Bruins aren’t retreating. They’re recalibrating.

Following a disappointing second-round playoff exit last season, the organization has been under pressure to make meaningful changes without sacrificing the core identity that has kept them competitive for over a decade. Sturm’s appointment, coupled with the addition of Spott and the retention of key staff members, indicates a nuanced approach — one that values experience, cohesion, and modern-day adaptability.

Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as training camp opens later this summer. Will the new voices behind the bench translate to improved results on the ice? Can Boston’s aging core continue to produce under a fresh leadership group?