The Boston Bruins face tapered expectations this season. Virtually every analyst and pundit has the Bruins missing the playoffs, following their disastrous 2024-25 season.
But one notable insider has made a bold prediction for the Bruins, picking them to make the playoffs despite the seemingly weak roster for this season.
In the latest edition of his 32 Thoughts blog, insider Elliotte Friedman made a strong statement regarding the Bruins’ 2025-26 season. He wrote:
“Eastern team I’d pick to make the playoffs if I had any guts: Boston. Between a healthy Charlie McAvoy, a healthy Hampus Lindholm, and a clear-headed Jeremy Swayman, they should be a much better defensive team. Just don’t know how much they’ll score.”
There’s an interesting amount of information to unpack in that statement. Firstly, Friedman believes in Boston’s core. Considering the potential for an elite blueline, the Bruins could make it difficult for opposing teams to score against them.
That blue line, which features Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, and Nikita Zadorov, could be just enough to keep the Bruins from sinking. Throw in one of the NHL’s best young netminders in Jeremy Swayman, and Boston has a solid defensive core.
Secondly, Friedman makes a point of the Bruins’ potential lack of scoring. Sure, David Pastrnak could well be on his way to another 100-point season. But will that be enough for the Bruins to win games?
That’s a question the Bruins will have to address as the season wears on.
Bruins Have Decent Supporting Cast but May Need Upgrades
The Boston Bruins have a decent supporting case surrounding leading scorer David Pastrnak. Top-line center Elias Lindholm will be looking to rebound this season. His subpar season last year cast doubt on his overall effectiveness. A strong season would go a long way toward restoring faith in the Bruins’ biggest acquisition of the 2024 offseason.
Other strong secondary cast members include Pavel Zacha, Morgan Geekie, Viktor Arvidsson, and Casey Mittelstadt. All of these aforementioned players have the wherewithal to produce big numbers this season.
So, the potential to score is there. The only question will be if the club can put goals on the scoreboard. If the scoring becomes an issue, the team will have to address the situation one way or another.
Boston Could Dip Its Toes in Trade Market
The Boston Bruins could dip their toes in the trade market. However, that situation will be dependent on their place in the standings by Thanksgiving. If the Bruins are in a playoff spot, or at least relatively close to one, the club could look to acquire additional offensive assets.
Of course, the Bruins would be jumping into a crowded market. Just about every playoff contender is reportedly looking to add top-six scorers. The demand is certainly there, but it doesn’t seem like there’s enough supply to fulfill needs.
As such, the Bruins may have to pay up extra to get the pieces they need to remain competitive in the Atlantic Division. There’s always the possibility that in-house solutions could preclude that need.
But then again, it’s still far too early to tell what moves the team could make this season.
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