As the NHL gears up for the 2025 Draft and the opening of free agency, the Boston Bruins find themselves in a pivotal moment of transition. With roster shakeups, expiring contracts, and a coaching vacancy, the Bruins are poised to redefine their identity for the coming season. Here’s a detailed look at how the team is shaping up ahead of what promises to be a transformative offseason.
🧊 The Current Lineup: A Core in Flux
The Bruins closed out the 2024–25 season with a disappointing early playoff exit, but General Manager Don Sweeney, recently extended through 2028, has wasted no time signaling a roster refresh.
Forwards:
David Pastrnak remains the cornerstone of Boston’s offense, finishing last season with 46 goals and 91 points.
Morgan Geekie, a breakout performer with 33 goals, is a restricted free agent likely to be re-signed.
Elias Lindholm struggled to find his groove after being acquired midseason and may be trade bait or moved to the third line.
Brad Marchand’s future is uncertain, with speculation swirling after he was left off late-season lineups and reportedly explored trade options.
Defensemen:
Charlie McAvoy, recovering from a shoulder injury, is expected to be ready for training camp.
Mason Lohrei just inked a two-year, $6.4 million extension, signaling the Bruins’ belief in his top-four potential.
Hampus Lindholm remains on LTIR but is progressing from his patella injury and could be a major comeback story.
Andrew Peeke and newly acquired prospect Max Wanner are likely to compete for full-time roles on the bottom pair.
Goaltending:
Jeremy Swayman is firmly entrenched as the starter following a strong 2024–25 season.
Linus Ullmark may be traded this summer to open up cap space and allow Swayman to take full control of the crease.
🧩 Cap Situation & Roster Flexibility
With several veteran contracts off the books and minimal dead cap, Boston is expected to enter July 1st with approximately $27–29 million in cap space. That gives the team flexibility to:
Re-sign key RFAs like Geekie and Mason Lohrei.
Pursue top-tier UFAs, with Nikolaj Ehlers and Steven Stamkos reportedly on the Bruins’ radar.
Explore trade opportunities, especially if Sweeney wants to move up in the draft or add a top-line center.
🧠 Coaching Search Underway
After parting ways with head coach Jim Montgomery, the Bruins are conducting a wide-ranging search for a replacement. Boston is reportedly looking for a coach who can modernize their system with speed, puck control, and youth development as focal points. Names like Jay Leach, Rick Tocchet, and even Craig Berube have been linked to the job.
🧒 Draft Night Watch: Pick #7 on the Block?
The Bruins hold the 7th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, a rare opportunity to add elite talent through the pipeline. There are whispers of Boston looking to:
Draft a franchise center like James Hagens or Anton Frondell if available.
Trade up into the top five to land a game-changer.
Trade down for multiple assets if they believe their target will be available later.
This year’s draft is viewed as deep with dynamic forwards, and Boston is prioritizing skill and offensive IQ.
🔍 What to Watch For
Free Agent Frenzy: Will Boston land a marquee winger like Ehlers or Stamkos?
Trade Watch: Will Ullmark or Lindholm be moved to free up space or gain picks?
Draft Decisions: Does Sweeney stay at pick 7 or make a bold move?
Coaching Hire: The team’s new identity hinges on who leads from behind the bench.
📝 Final Thoughts
The Bruins are standing at a crossroads—armed with cap space, a top-10 pick, and a young core anchored by Pastrnak and McAvoy. How they navigate the next two weeks will determine whether they remain playoff contenders or take a step back to reset for a long-term championship push.