Professional sports are inherently unpredictable. Teams designed for playoff contention sometimes struggle to find cohesion and consistent performance. Injuries to key players can drastically alter a team`s direction. Quickly, an organization can shift its focus to retooling or completely rebuilding its roster for future success.
While the Boston Bruins may not have started the season as Stanley Cup favorites, few anticipated such a significant decline after seasons of 135 and 109 points. If Boston wins their final game against the New Jersey Devils, they will finish with 77 points, their lowest total in an 82-game season since 2006-07.
The statistics are clear: the Bruins are in a period of transition for the first time in years. The key question is whether they are facing a full rebuild or if they can retool this offseason to become competitive again in the 2025-26 season.
Personally, a complete rebuild for Boston seems unlikely. The roster possesses enough depth to bounce back, and the Bruins will have considerable salary cap flexibility this offseason. Securing the first overall pick in the draft lottery could also provide a franchise-altering player.
However, with Boston poised to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016, it`s crucial to examine the factors leading to this point, and the potential future for the team.
The Path to the Current Situation
The Bruins` outlook appeared reasonably optimistic last offseason following additions through free agency and trades:
- Experienced free agents Elias Lindholm, a second-line forward, and Nikita Zadorov, a defenseman known for his physicality, signed long-term contracts.
- Forward Mark Kastelic and backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo joined the Bruins in the trade that sent Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators.
- The Ullmark trade also secured Boston a first-round pick (25th overall) in the previous summer`s draft.
A significant early issue for Boston arose during contract extension negotiations with Jeremy Swayman. This crucial offseason negotiation proved lengthy and complicated.
Swayman, a restricted free agent, was identified as the Bruins` preferred starting goalie after the Ullmark trade. Coming off a season with a 2.53 GAA and .916 save percentage in 44 regular season games, and strong playoff performance (2.15GAA, .933SV%), both sides engaged in tough negotiations that became public before an eight-year, $8.25 million annual contract was agreed upon, keeping Swayman with the Bruins until 2032.
The delay in signing the extension until the end of training camp was detrimental, particularly for an NHL goalie. Swayman has struggled to find his form this season, partly due to the disrupted offseason. While the team in front of him may not be as strong as in previous years, his personal statistics have declined significantly to a 3.08 GAA and .894 save percentage over a career-high 57 games.
Coaching Change
After a disappointing 8-9-3 start, the Bruins opted for a coaching change, replacing Jim Montgomery with interim head coach Joe Sacco on November 19.
Montgomery quickly found a new position, becoming head coach of the St. Louis Blues on November 25. The former Jack Adams Award winner has achieved considerable success in St. Louis, bringing them to the verge of playoff contention.
Under Sacco, the Bruins have a 25-30-6 record, including a difficult 11-15-4 stretch in their last 30 games. It should be noted that Boston traded away several veteran players before the trade deadline in March, impacting Sacco`s resources for the remainder of the season.
Trade Deadline Decisions
General Manager Don Sweeney made an aggressive move to become sellers at the trade deadline. Long-time Bruin and captain Brad Marchand was traded (to the Florida Panthers), along with centers Charlie Coyle (to the Colorado Avalanche) and Trent Frederic (to the Edmonton Oilers). Defenseman Brandon Carlo was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and winger Justin Brazeau to the Minnesota Wild.
These trades clearly signaled a reset for the Bruins` roster.
Tristan Blackwood