Ray Bourque bailed the Bruins out of many situations during his brilliant career, but the 5-time Norris Trophy winner might soon be called upon to clean up the mess that’s become the team’s front office.
Sources tell Sports Talk with Teddy Panos the Bruins have targeted Bourque to take over the troubled franchise’s player personnel department, and that negotiations are ongoing. Whether current General Manager, Mike O’Connell, would be fired or re-assigned within the organization as part of the shakeup is not yet clear. Since November of 2005, Bourque has been a consultant to the B's coaching staff, working with the defense and special teams at least twice a week.
The Hall of Famer, who played for the Black and Gold as well as the Colorado Avalanche, is the NHL’s all-time leading scorer among defenseman. He also ranks second only to Wayne Gretzky in assists and eighth overall in total points, finishing just behind former Bruin Phil Esposito, the man who Bourque famously surrendered his number-7 uniform to in one of the classiest hockey moments of all-time.
Before returning to the game in November, Bourque could often be seen attending sporting events involving his children. His son Chris played college hockey at Boston University before turning pro. His daughter Mel is also a standout lacrosse player at the University of New Hampshire.
We’ll continue to track this story, and have updates as they become available.
This is news that surely every Bruins fan will welcome. It's about darn time something changed in the Bruins decision making process.
Keep up the good work!