Two members of the 2011 Cup team have new roles with the Bruins

The Bruins announced a series of coaching staff and front office moves today, and two of those moves involved new roles for guys who were members of the beloved 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team.

Former Bruin forward Chris Kelly was promoted to assistant coach, filling the role left vacant by the departure of Jay Pandolfo, who returned to his alma mater, Boston University.

Kelly was already with the Bruins organization, having served as a Player Development Coordinator since the 2018 season.

Speaking of Player Development Coordinator, with Kelly’s spot now open, in steps a familiar face: former Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid!

McQuaid, you may remember, was spotted at Development Camp earlier this month, and while the team didn’t have an official role/title for him at the time, you knew it was coming.

Given that Kelly took the track of player to Player Development Coordinator to assistant coach, one can’t help but wonder if McQuaid may be interested in that same route.

Kelly played six seasons with the Bruins, while McQuaid played nine.

Both are remembered fondly for their time as Bruins players: Kelly playing with the full cage during the 2011 run, McQuaid regularly throwing himself in front of pucks and rag-dolling opponents.

It says something about that early-2010s group of players that the Bruins are keeping them in the fold organizationally.

That was a special group, and now they’ll be tasked with developing and coaching the current B’s into another special group.

Head coach Bruce Cassidy’s full bench staff should (barring any further changes) now feature Kelly, Joe Sacco, and Kevin Dean.

Congrats to Kelly and McQuaid on their new roles!