Bruins Rumors: Analyst Thinks Boston Should 'Copy' Capitals Retool Plan

Monday, April 07, 2025 ,

Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic believes the Boston Bruins can take a cue from the Washington Capitals’ recent retool to quickly return to contention. 

In his view, the Bruins should embrace a strategy that mixes youth development with savvy roster moves, just as the Capitals did after selling at the 2023 trade deadline. Washington flipped veterans Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway—ironically to Boston—and turned the return into foundational pieces like Ryan Leonard, now a top prospect. 

Within two years, the Capitals went from missing the playoffs to posting 100-plus points with a rejuvenated core and a coach who matched their timeline.

Shinzawa argues the Bruins should follow suit, starting with a coaching change. 

While interim coach Joe Sacco has kept things steady, Shinzawa suggests a younger, rising bench boss like Jay Leach, who previously coached in Providence and is now with Seattle. He draws a parallel to Spencer Carbery’s impact in Washington, where the 43-year-old quickly connected with veterans like Alex Ovechkin and integrated younger players such as Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael. 

“The Bruins may seek a younger and less experienced coach to grow in lockstep with the transitioning team,” Shinzawa writes, seeing Leach as a strong candidate.

Boston’s foundation is already in place with David Pastrnak, Jeremy Swayman, and Charlie McAvoy locked up long-term. With nearly $29 million in projected cap space and only 11 roster players signed, GM Don Sweeney has flexibility to act. 

Like Brian MacLellan did with Washington—landing Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, and Logan Thompson—Sweeney could target younger, NHL-ready players from cap-strapped teams to round out the lineup.

Photo Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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