In a phone conversation with the Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy, general manager Don Sweeney confirmed he was no longer waiting on candidates who are still coaching in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That seemingly would eliminate Dallas Stars assistant Misha Donskov, who was a popular name in rumors.

Now officially extended through 2028, Don Sweeney is accelerating the Bruins’ coaching search before the NHL Draft arrives in late June. For months, the Bruins front office operated under a fog of uncertainty.

After eight straight seasons of making the playoffs, Boston finished with an Atlantic Division-worst 33-39-10 record in 2024-25.