Rumor: The Bruins have identified their “top target” for coaching job

According to a report from Boston Bruins insider Jimmy Murphy, the team is trying to lock down free agent head coach Rick Tocchet.

“If they can secure an interview with him, and yeah, they’re trying, he becomes their top target,” an NHL source reportedly told Murphy yesterday.

Meanwhile, Vancouver Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal is reporting the same.

“Boston is a club. …I’ve been saying about Boston, keep an eye on the Bruins,” Dhaliwal said on his radio show with Don Taylor, ‘Donnie and Dhali’ on Wednesday.

“I will be surprised if the Bruins don’t contact Tocchet. He’s a really Boston-type guy. Cam Neely, Rick Tocchet played the same game. …power forward.”

Tocchet, of course, chose to walk away from the Canucks late last month.