Jay Leach, formerly an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, has embarked on a new journey as he joins the coaching staff of the Boston Bruins. The Bruins officially declared Leach’s hiring, marking the end of his three-season tenure under Dave Hakstol’s guidance with the Kraken. Prior to his stint with Seattle, Leach led the AHL’s Providence Bruins for five seasons.
Expressing enthusiasm about Leach’s return to the Bruins, General Manager Don Sweeney emphasized Leach’s significant contributions to player development during his previous tenure with the Providence Bruins. Sweeney also highlighted Leach’s valuable experience gained as an assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken, foreseeing a seamless integration into the Bruins’ coaching ensemble, particularly in enhancing the defensive aspect of the team’s game.
Leach’s transition to the Bruins leaves vacancies within the coaching roster of the Kraken, with the departures of Paul McFarland and Dave Hakstol at the end of the season. However, Dave Lowry and goaltending coach Steve Briere remain part of the Kraken’s coaching contingent.
Kraken General Manager Ron Francis expressed admiration for both Leach and Lowry upon the appointment of Dan Bylsma as the new head coach, affirming their value to the organization while acknowledging Bylsma’s prerogative to shape his coaching staff according to his preferences.
With an impressive track record of 136 wins during his tenure as head coach of the Providence Bruins, Leach brings a wealth of coaching experience to his new role with the Bruins. His coaching journey also includes assistant coaching positions with AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Adler Mannheim of the Deutsche Eishokcey Liga in Germany.
Beyond his coaching career, Leach boasts an NHL and AHL playing career spanning 11 seasons, demonstrating his profound understanding of the game from both coaching and playing perspectives. Bylsma expressed his intent to engage in discussions with Leach and Lowry regarding coaching staff positions, while also considering AHL Coachella Valley assistants Jessica Campbell and Stu Bickel for potential roles, recognizing their contributions to player development within the organization.
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