The Boston Bruins’ season may have only just ended, but already there are reports of coaching moves possibly developing.
After missing the playoffs last year, the pressure was on the Boston Bruins to make it back to the postseason. They were on the bubble all season, and it officially popped today with a 6-1 to the Ottawa Senators.
This opens up questions about what moves the team could make in the offseason including replacing head coach Claude Julien. Enter hockey analyst and former Bruins’ coach and player Mike Milbury. Back in February, he was asked about if he would be interested in head coaching job if it became available. This was the response that Milbury gave to the question when asked on CSNNE:
"“It would be a longshot for them to come to me. It’s been a while since I’ve done the job. I wouldn’t say ‘no’ to anybody that came but I would have to look at it very carefully. When I went to Long Island I didn’t know what I was getting into. I’d want to know exactly where I was going with this. Who is running the show? What pieces were in place to play with?“I’m not chomping at the bit. I’m happy with what I’m doing. I’ve got a pretty good schedule. Little bit more free time. But when somebody dangles that carrot in front of you and gives you an opportunity like that, there’s so few chances to get that. I’d have to say I’d strongly consider it if that came around.“I’m not knocking on doors where to go next.” Via Yahoo Sports"
Flash forward to April, and reports began circulating on Saturday that he had already contacted the Bruins to say that he was interested in the job.
Per NHL source during Bruins game today: "Mike Milbury has again made it clear to Bruins he's interested in coaching should job open up."
— MurphysLaw74 (@MurphysLaw74) April 9, 2016
Only Milbury claims the source is incorrect, as he set the record straight that he did not contact the Bruins, especially before the team was officially eliminated from the playoffs.
FWIW, Mike Milbury on report he contacted Bruins to let them know he would be interested in head coach pos'n were it available: "Total B.S."
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 9, 2016
More Milbury: "That's an insult to me. It's an insult to (Claude Julien). I would never do that. It never happened."
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 9, 2016
This does not mean the NBC analyst is out of the running if the team does decide to replace Julien. It just means he did not make contact with the team while the job is still filled and the season is barely over.
Milbury was the head coach of the Bruins from 19989-91 and had a record of 90-49-21. That was the last time he coached in the NHL. He was also the coach of the Bruins’ Alumni team for the 2016 Winter Classic against the Montreal Canadiens. He went on to be the General Manager of the New York Islanders before switching to the broadcast side.