The Boston Bruins have officially added veteran coach Steve Spott to their bench as an assistant coach under newly appointed head coach Marco Sturm, a move aimed at addressing one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses from last season — the power play. The Bruins confirmed the hiring on Friday morning, with the team emphasizing Spott’s extensive NHL experience and proven track record of success, particularly in special teams management.
Spott, 57, joins the Bruins after spending the past three seasons with the Dallas Stars, where he was part of a staff that led the team to three consecutive appearances in the Western Conference Final. During his time in Dallas, Spott oversaw a power play unit that ranked seventh in the NHL, converting at a 23.7% success rate over that span. His departure from Dallas followed the firing of head coach Peter DeBoer, a longtime collaborator of Spott’s at various coaching stops across the league.
In Boston, Spott will be tasked with helping to turn around a Bruins power play that ranked near the bottom of the league last season — 29th overall, a disappointing statistic for a team that otherwise remained competitive in the Eastern Conference. At his introductory press conference earlier this month, Sturm made it clear that special teams would be a major point of emphasis for his staff heading into the 2025–26 NHL season.
“Steve is a passionate teacher, a strong communicator, and brings great structure and detail to everything he does,” Sturm said in the team’s official release. “His experience, especially on special teams, will be a major asset for our group and for the Bruins moving forward.”
brings over two decades of coaching experience to Boston. In addition to his recent work in Dallas, he has held assistant coaching roles with the Vegas Golden Knights, San Jose Sharks, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Known for his detailed systems and ability to develop offensive schemes, Spott has become highly respected throughout the NHL coaching community. A graduate of Colgate University, Spott also has personal ties to the region — his son, Tyler, played college hockey at both Northeastern and Sacred Heart, giving the family familiarity with New England hockey culture.
In a statement, Spott expressed his gratitude and excitement about joining the Bruins organization:
“I’m incredibly excited and honored to join the Boston Bruins. Being part of an Original Six franchise with such a proud history and tradition means a great deal to me and my family. The opportunity to work alongside Marco and the rest of this coaching staff, in front of one of the most passionate fanbases in hockey, is something I’m truly grateful for, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Spott will join a coaching staff that already includes Jay Leach, Chris Kelly, and Bob Essensa, all of whom have deep connections to the Bruins organization. With Spott’s hiring, the Bruins are sending a clear signal that they are serious about sharpening their special teams and supporting Marco Sturm with experienced voices behind the bench as the team prepares to make a playoff push in the upcoming season.
