No Captain, No Chaos: Coach Marco Sturm Embraces Shared Leadership as Mason Lohrei Endorses New Bruins Blueprint

In a shift from tradition, the Boston Bruins are heading into the upcoming NHL season without naming a permanent team captain — and head coach Marco Sturm has no issue with it. In fact, he’s not only comfortable with the unconventional setup but actively endorsing what he calls a “leadership-by-committee” approach, aiming to empower multiple voices in the locker room rather than relying on a single one.

This isn’t the first time the Bruins have ventured into captain-less territory. Following the retirement of long-time captain Patrice Bergeron and the earlier departure of Zdeno Chára, the team has faced a natural leadership vacuum. But this time around, instead of rushing to fill the “C” with one player, Sturm is leaning into the idea that shared accountability might just be the strongest foundation for a championship-caliber team.

One of the most vocal supporters of this model is rising defenseman Mason Lohrei. The 23-year-old, who made impressive strides last season, said he’s seen the benefits of having several leaders set the tone. According to Lohrei, younger players like himself feel more empowered to speak up and contribute when there isn’t a singular figurehead absorbing all leadership responsibilities.

There’s a really healthy balance right now, Lohrei said after practice. We’ve got guys like Marchy [Brad Marchand], Pasta [David Pastrňák], and Lindy [Hampus Lindholm] who lead in different ways. And for me, seeing that mix — not just one guy always calling the shots — it motivates me to step into that leadership space too.”

While Bergeron and Chára left massive shoes to fill, the Bruins’ leadership core remains one of the strongest in the NHL. Veterans like Marchand and Charlie Coyle are known for their vocal presence and off-ice mentorship. David Pastrňák, while not the loudest voice, leads by example with relentless competitiveness and production. Goaltenders Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark have also taken on greater responsibility, especially in maintaining team morale.

Sturm was clear that the decision isn’t about disregarding tradition. Instead, it’s about creating a structure that matches the evolving identity of the current Bruins roster. “We have incredible respect for what the ‘C’ represents,” he said. “But this team isn’t about looking back. It’s about finding what works right now.”

Ultimately, the Bruins will be judged not by who wears the “C,” but by how they perform. After a disappointing playoff exit last season, expectations are once again sky-high. With Sturm entering his first full season behind the bench, the pressure is real — but so is the opportunity for a refreshed team identity.