- Boston Bruins: The Bruins have relieved GM Peter Chiarelli of his duties this morning. Chiarelli was hired by the Bruins on May 26th, 2006.
”We are grateful for Peter’s service to the Bruins organization over the last nine seasons,” said Neely. “His efforts undoubtedly helped the team achieve great success during his tenure and he helped restore the proud tradition of Boston Bruins hockey. We ultimately feel that this change is necessary in order to ensure sustainable success for the club both in the short term and the long term. Our search for a new General Manager will begin immediately.”
Under Chiarelli, the Bruins had a record of 386-223-85. They won the cup in 2011 and were in the Final in 2013. They won the President’s Trophy in 2013-14.
- Boston.com Bruins: Assistant GMs, Player Personnel and Coaching Staff will remain in place for the time being.
Thoughts from the media:
- Patrick Williams: “Dumping Chiarelli after one subpar season seems like a major overreaction.”
- James Gordon: “While I think that’s a pretty short-sighted move by the Bruins, it had to happen. He’d never live down the Seguin trade in Boston. And to be clear, that WAS a ridiculously bad trade.”
- Pierre LeBrun: “Peter Chiarelli is very well respected around the league. Will find another job in due time.”
- Dave Molinari: “Wonder if the Bruins will consider hiring Ray Shero, in whom they were interested before he took the Penguins’ GM job in 2006?”
- Joe Yerdon: “Bruins going the same route of the Penguins and letting the new GM decide on the coach?”
- David Pagnotta: “Not sure how this decision makes Boston a better organization. Nevertheless, I doubt Chiarelli will be out of a job for very long.”
- Jeff Veillette: “Lesson to learn from the Chiarelli firing: having too many long-term deals comes back to haunt you, trading the best one haunts even more.”
- Craig Custance: “Toronto should hire Peter Chiarelli immediately.”
- Pierre LeBrun: “Should note that Chiarelli has three years left on his deal with the Bruins”
- Darren Dreger: “According to a source, Ray Shero once turned down an offer to manage the Bruins. Wonder if Boston is still interested?”
- Chris Johnston: “The name to watch in the #bruins GM search is Don Sweeney. Many see him as a natural successor.”
- Ian McLaren: “Most reasonable thing for Bruins to have done is nothing, allowing PC to tinker roster + putting coach on shorter leash.”
- Dave Molinari: “Bruins would be foolish to not cast a wide net in the search for Chiarelli’s replacement. That job would appeal to many excellent candidates”