Former Bruins Hall Of Famer Is About To Make An NHL Return

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Austin Sabourin
May 25, 2023 (5:17 PM)

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When Mark Recchi, the legendary Hall of Fame forward, hung up the skates to his insane hockey career, he did so as a proud member of the Boston Bruins, marking the pinnacle of his success by winning the Stanley Cup for the third time.

Following his glorious victory in 2011, Recchi initially settled down in Pittsburgh, but it didn't take long for the seven-time All-Star to find his way back to the NHL, this time as the player development coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2014.

For six seasons, Recchi dedicated himself to honing the skills of aspiring players within the Penguins' organization. However, his journey took a turn when he joined the New Jersey Devils as an assistant coach for two seasons before eventually parting ways with the team.

So, what lies ahead for Recchi?

Recently, he shared his future aspirations during an appearance on the OVERTIME Podcast with TSN's esteemed Gino Reda.

"Considering how much the game has given me, this period of my life has been truly invigorating," expressed Recchi. "I've had the opportunity to spend quality time with my family, particularly since I have three older children who are currently attending college. While I do enjoy visiting them whenever possible, I must admit that I'm eager to return to a managerial role, if the opportunity arises."

When most individuals contemplate management positions in hockey, their minds gravitate towards the roles of general manager or president of hockey operations. However, Recchi envisions a closer connection to the on-ice action.

"My passion lies in player development. I derive immense satisfaction from guiding and shaping young athletes," Recchi elaborated. "That's where I can truly make a difference for organizations, especially in today's salary cap era. The ability to nurture and develop talent is paramount."

Recchi firmly believes that cultivating players and working closely with them is the key to success in the modern NHL landscape. While he acknowledges his preference for this direction, he remains open to the possibility of returning to coaching. As he ventures forth, he is actively exploring various options and seeking opportunities to get himself back into the hockey realm.

Although Recchi did not disclose specific teams he has approached, one cannot help but wonder if the Boston Bruins hold a special place on his list. After all, his previous stint with the team culminated in a memorable Stanley Cup victory, and the Bruins' front office faces critical decisions regarding free agents this summer. The development of promising young talents such as Fabian Lysell, Marc McLaughlin, and Matthew Poitras ranks high on their priority list, given the limited cap space available.

Source: Nesn