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Kevin Dean New Head Coach of Providence Bruins

By Andrew Thompson

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney makes the first of three consecutive draft picks in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney makes the first of three consecutive draft picks in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Dean is a solid choice to be the head coach of the Providence Bruins.

The Boston Bruins pulled head coach Bruce Cassidy out of Providence to back up Claude Julien earlier in the offseason. The Bruins front office was pleased with the work Cassidy and has team had done over the last few years, and it makes sense that this promotion was an internal one.

Dean has been an excellent coach for the Baby Bruins, who have made the playoffs for the last four years straight. He’s been part of the team that has helped players like Torey Krug, David Pastrnak, and Ryan Spooner make the transition from the AHL to the NHL.

From the Boston Bruins website:

“Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, ‪July 18, that the Bruins have named Kevin Dean the Head Coach of the Providence Bruins. Dean recently completed his fifth season as an assistant coach of the Providence Bruins in 2015-16. During his tenure as an assistant coach in Providence, the team has compiled a ‪207-128-45 overall record in 380 games, including winning seasons in all five years and postseason berths in each of the previous four seasons.

The 47-year-old native of Madison, WI, also spent five seasons as a coach in the New Jersey Devils organization, including four seasons as an assistant coach for the Lowell Devils (AHL) and one season as head coach of the Trenton Devils (ECHL). Dean also enjoyed a successful playing career, competing in 331 NHL games with Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta and New Jersey. In his playing career he compiled 7 goals and 48 assists for 55 points with 138 penalty minutes. Prior to his professional career, Dean played four seasons at the University of New Hampshire posting 14 goals and 36 assists for 50 total points in 137 games.

He was drafted by New Jersey in the fifth round (86th overall) of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.”

The Providence Bruins isn’t just a minor league hockey team. They’re an important conduit for many Boston Bruins players. Moving Dean into Cassidy’s old position should tell us that the Boston Bruins will continue to get exceptional talent from their AHL affiliate.

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