Overview

• Sturm makes his bench debut against the Capitals on Wednesday night as Boston begins the 2025–26 season on the road.
• General manager Don Sweeney tasked him with restoring the Bruins’ identity after a playoff miss and their poorest campaign in roughly two decades.
• Practices have centered on pace, clear structure and defensive intensity, with a stated push to improve five-on-five scoring and the power play.
• He has instituted a rule that players should avoid political discussions in the locker room to keep focus on hockey.
• The Bruins chose Sturm after interviewing 14 candidates, citing his 15-year NHL playing career, seven seasons on the Kings’ staff and his profile from coaching Germany to 2018 Olympic silver.