The Boston Bruins signed coach Bruce Cassidy to a multiyear contract extension Wednesday, a reward for leading the team to the Stanley Cup Final in just his second full season on the bench.
“I think it’s a good marriage,” Cassidy said at the team’s training facility the day before training camp begins. “I think it’s worked well for both sides. So, for me, it’s where I wanted to be.”
Cassidy, 54, was a defenseman who played 36 games over six seasons for the Chicago Blackhawks. He had a 47-53-9 record in his first head coaching stint, with the Washington Capitals from 2002-04, before he was fired 25 games into his second season.
Cassidy took over in Boston when Claude Julien was fired during the 2016-17 season and led the Bruins to an 18-9 record the rest of the way. He was kept on and given a three-year deal that had one year remaining.
Terms of the extension were not disclosed. But general manager Don Sweeney said it was important to the team to have the new deal worked out before the start of camp.
“Peace of mind not only for Butch, but for ourselves and probably the players a little bit too,” he said. “He’s earned the right to lead this club.”