The Boston Bruins have been one of the NHL’s most consistent teams for nearly a decade. From the 2017-18 season through to 2023-24, they stayed at the top of the league, made a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2019, won the Presidents’ Trophy twice, and set a historic 65-win, 135-point season just last year. But in just one season, the Bruins’ dominance came crashing down.
The Fall of the Bruins in 2024-25
This season has been a harsh reality check for Boston fans. With key veteran players leaving and not being properly replaced, the Bruins struggled to maintain their stronghold. Management made the message loud and clear at the March 7 trade deadline: this team is shifting gears.
Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, Brandon Carlo, and Trent Frederic were all traded, signaling the end of an era. These trades pushed the Bruins to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, marking the first time since 1996-97 that they missed the playoffs entirely.
The Core Remains: Pastrnak, McAvoy, and Swayman
Despite the fall, all is not lost. The Bruins still have a strong core of players to build around. David Pastrnak, one of the league’s best goal scorers, defenseman Charlie McAvoy, and standout goalie Jeremy Swayman are all locked in with long-term contracts.
According to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, Boston can follow a model similar to the Washington Capitals — who went from deadline sellers to conference leaders in just two years. The Capitals rebuilt smartly, adding talents like Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, Rasmus Sandin, and Logan Thompson to re-shape their team quickly.
What Comes Next for the Bruins?
Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub believes the Bruins could be very active in this summer’s free-agent market. And they’re in a great spot to do so — with $27.1 million in projected salary-cap space and only one core restricted free agent (RFA), Morgan Geekie, still needing a new deal.
Boston can re-sign Geekie and their five other RFAs while still having money left to go after big names. Among the top unrestricted free agents (UFAs) this summer are:
- Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks)
- Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets)
- Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers)
Getting any of these players won’t be easy, as several other teams with cap space will also be in the hunt. But the Bruins have the money and a fresh start that could attract top-tier talent.
Could an Offer Sheet Be in Play?
If the Bruins want to shake things up even more, they could consider using an offer sheet — a rare but bold move to try and steal a young RFA from another team. Potential targets might include:
- Marco Rossi (Minnesota Wild)
- Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- JJ Peterka (Buffalo Sabres)
All three are rising young stars who could add instant energy and skill to the Bruins’ lineup. Offer sheets are tricky and often come with a heavy cost in draft picks, but they could be worth the risk for a team looking to bounce back fast.
The 2024-25 season has been tough for the Boston Bruins, but it might be just the reset they need. With a strong core still intact and lots of cap space available, the team has the tools to rebuild quickly and smartly. Whether through free agency, trades, or even offer sheets, this off-season could mark the beginning of a new Bruins era. Fans will be watching closely as management tries to turn disappointment into another successful chapter in Boston hockey.
