Could Bruins be Losing Minor League Coach?
By Scott Roche
Over the last couple of seasons, the Boston Bruins have been getting contributions from the minors and their American Hockey League (AHL) club the Providence Bruins.
One of the reasons for the success that the Providence Bruins have had has been because of their coach Jay Leach. The former NHL left-shot defensemen played two games for the Black and Gold in the 2005-06 season before also playing in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and San Jose Sharks.
Prior to the 2017-18 AHL season, Leach was promoted from assistant coach to head coach for Providence and has done a very good job with the P-Bruins behind the bench. His success is being recognized as it was reported by Craig Morgan, an Arizona Coyotes insider, that the Coyotes recently interviewed Leach for their head coach opening.
Can also report that Providence Bruins (AHL) coach Jay Leach has interviewed for the Coyotes job.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) June 12, 2021
Leach & AZ GM Bill Armstrong crossed paths while Leach played at Providence College & Armstrong was the Bruins' coach. Leach also played for Armstrong with Trenton (ECHL) in 2003-04. https://t.co/h9HiF1gI9g
Leach has a strong tie to Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong from his time in college and the pros. It’s not surprising he came calling.
During Leach’s time as head coach of the P-Bruins, they have compiled a record of 136-77-16 and they made the playoffs in his first two seasons, but despite winning the Atlantic Division in the last two seasons, both shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic, they did not compete in the postseason due to them being canceled.
During his time in Providence, Leach has done some work with some of the Bruins’ top young players. Defensemen Charlie McAvoy, Jeremy Lauzon, and Connor Clifton all developed under Leach in the AHL, while center Trent Frederic and goalies Jeremy Swayman and Dan Vladar all saw some time with Leach.
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It is not surprising that Leach is getting consideration for a head coaching job in the NHL as his Providence teams always played hard for him and they were well prepared, as evidence by their records and winning division championships. If Leach leaves, that will leave a void next season behind the Providence bench that will have to be filled and will be tough to follow.