Sturm Details Captaincy Priorities for the Bruins’ New Era

With Brad Marchand dealt at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, the Boston Bruins have operated without a captain. The vacancy is understandable given the team’s recent transition, but a decision on the next leader is inevitable. Head coach Marco Sturm recently shared his perspective on what he’s looking for in the role.

“One of the problems and issues we have here in Boston is that we had a guy like Bergeron, that we had a guy like Chara, or even Ray Bourque,” Sturm told Evan Marinofsky. “We had such good, high-quality captains here. So everyone thinks automatically, ‘Oh, we need a guy like him.’ But that’s different. These guys are gone. It’s a new generation; they’re different now.”

Sturm then highlighted David Pastrnak as a distinct type of leader, different from the franchise’s former captains but still valuable in his own right.

“If you look at our guys now, I think David [Pastrnak], he’s a totally different leader as a Bergeron or Chara. Totally different. Which is absolutely fine,” Sturm said. “I played with a guy like [Alex] Ovechkin. He’s like that. He’s totally different. [That] doesn’t mean he’s a bad leader; he just does things differently.”

Bruins Have Multiple Leaders on the Roster

Leadership extends throughout the Boston roster. Charlie McAvoy, Nikita Zadorov, Hampus Lindholm and veterans such as Pavel Zacha, Sean Kuraly and Elias Lindholm provide substantial experience and guidance in the locker room. However, the captaincy carries a responsibility that goes beyond simply wearing a letter.

“I do believe we have good leaders in our locker room,” said Sturm. “For me, personally, as a coach, he needs a strong voice in the room, obviously, but also who helps me out. He should be the connection between coaches and also for the players in a lot of different areas of the game, on ice, off ice, you name it. Also, he can stay very calm during stressful moments.”

Pastrnak and McAvoy Both Strong Captain Options

No player should be expected to immediately replicate the impact of Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, who defined the role during their simultaneous tenure. Both Pastrnak and McAvoy learned under those legends, and while officially wearing the ‘C’ would differ, their leadership qualities make them natural fits to carry the role forward.

“It’s also important to note that regardless of who wears the “C” on their jersey, both Pastrnak and McAvoy will share in much of the duties the same way Chara and Bergeron did before them. It may not be in an official capacity, but leaders lead and both of these players are tailor-made for the role, even if only one can earn the distinction.”

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