Troiani Rink Report

Don Sweeney addressed the most pressing issue of the Boston Bruins’ offseason by naming Marco Sturm as the 30th head coach in franchise history.

While Sweeney will work on getting Sturm the best roster to work with, the first-year coach will be tasked with naming the 28th captain for the Original Six NHL franchise.

The Bruins finished the 2024-25 season without a captain, after the team sent Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers at the league’s trade deadline. In fact, with alternate captain Charlie McAvoy sidelined with an injury following the 4 Nations Face-Off, David Pastrnak was the player to sport a letter the entire season.

McAvoy and Pastrnak no doubt will lead the Bruins heading into next season, along with other veterans Hampus Lindholm, Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. However, earning the “C” is not going to come lightly, especially with a new coach at the helm.

Sturm said during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Felger & Mazz” that he needs to get to know his players before bestowing what he considers to be a huge honor.

“I know the Pastrnaks, I know the Lindholms and the McAvoys. Yes, I’ve seen them play, but I don’t know them as a person,” Sturm said. “I actually would like to get to know them first. I want to see it. I want to feel it when I work with them every day, then maybe, I don’t know yet. That’s something we just have to address.

“I think if you’re a Boston Bruin, it’s a big deal. … I’m a coach and I’m not gonna say I’m gonna make that decision alone. I don’t want to. Again, it’s the Boston Bruins, and it’s a big deal. So that’s something we’re gonna talk about it. But we both have to agree that this is the right guy. And we will. But, I don’t know when.”

While the Bruins may not be ready to name the next captain, fans have already expressed on various social media platforms their choice is either Pastrnak or McAvoy.

Who would you like to see wear the “C”? Sound off in the comments below, and then look out for the results.

This article was initially published on Substack on June 12, 2025.