Mike O'Connell is a former professional ice hockey player and coach. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade, primarily as a defenseman. O'Connell was known for his physical play and defensive skills, and he was a key contributor to several successful teams during his career.
O'Connell began his professional career in the late 1970s, playing for the Boston Bruins. He quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman, and he helped the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1978 and 1988. O'Connell was also a member of the United States national team, representing his country in several international tournaments.
In 1989, O'Connell was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he played for two seasons before being traded again to the New Jersey Devils. He played one season with the Devils before being traded once more, this time to the Phoenix Coyotes. O'Connell played for the Coyotes for two seasons before retiring as a player in 1996.
After retiring from playing, O'Connell began a career in coaching and management. He served as an assistant coach for the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins before being named the head coach of the Bruins in 2000. O'Connell led the Bruins to the playoffs in his first season as head coach, but he was fired after the team missed the playoffs the following year.
O'Connell then moved into management, serving as the general manager of the Bruins from 2003 to 2006. He was responsible for several key moves during his tenure, including the acquisition of star forward Marc Savard. However, O'Connell was criticized for some of his other moves, including the trade of popular defenseman Sergei Gonchar.
After leaving the Bruins, O'Connell worked as a scout for several NHL teams, including the Los Angeles Kings and the Buffalo Sabres. He also served as the general manager of the AHL's San Antonio Rampage for one season.
Overall, Mike O'Connell had a successful career in professional ice hockey, both as a player and as a coach and manager. He was known for his physical play and defensive skills, and he played a key role in several successful teams during his career. O'Connell's coaching and management career was also notable, although he faced some criticism for some of his moves as a general manager.
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