Stephen Harris over at the Herald reported this morning that Harry Sinden's role with the Bruins will be expanding during the GM search. Yeah, that Harry Sinden. The one who's been around the team almost as long as John Bucyk, but who has left far less rosy memories in the minds of long-time fans. A quick refresher:
Sinden played minor-league hockey for Bruins affiliates from 1960 to 1966. After he retired from playing, he was brought up to the majors as head coach of the Boston Bruins. Behind the bench, he presided over Bobby Orr's rookie year, and stayed with the team right up through the 1970 Stanley Cup. At that point, he left in a huff. He took some time off, before coaching Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series. After the Summit Series, Milt Schmidt was moved up to Executive Director and Sinden was made General Manager for the next 28 years.
In his 28 years as General Manager, Harry Sinden managed to win the cup zero times, though the team did make it to the FInal 5 times. Though he was able to maintain the Bruins status as consistent early exits in the playoffs, he wasn't exactly a popular guy. Just take it from Weber_King, who watched it all up close and personal:
Bringing Sinden into the fold is like taking M. Andretti's Indy 500 car into today's race. Great back in the day, but gonna get lapped bad.
— Weber Spring (@WeberKing) May 19, 2015
Sinden convinces Cam to sign Sweeney. Fires Claude, hires Milbury. Then proceeds to sign every player from MA. 90's all over again. #Bruins
— Weber Spring (@WeberKing) May 19, 2015
Well, if the #Bruins are going to set everything back 30 years, can we at least get NESN to use the Nutrocker for the broadcast opens?
— Weber Spring (@WeberKing) May 19, 2015