A lot of questions surround the Boston Bruins for the 2025-26 season. Where will the offense come from? Is the defense at least NHL average? Will the goaltending tandem prove their worth?
Bruins search for offense
Aside from elite forward David Pastrnak the offense will struggle. A few players will have good seasonsbut the lack of offense is one reason this team will not make the playoffs next season. In the offseason, GM Don Sweeney made moves to make this team more competitive but nothing new for the offense. Coming into the fold are forwards Viktor Arvidsson, Matej Blumel, Michael Eyssimont, and Tanner Jeannot. Arvidsson could be the closest thing to an offensive option besides Pastrnak but even so, he does not have much left in the tank. Blumel, Eyssimont, and Jeannot are bottom six guys who will not contribute the way the Bruins need them to. They will supply offense from time to time but that will not be enough to save the season.
The defense has many questions
The Bruins' defense had many holes last season and come into a new season with questions surrounding the talent on the back end. The biggest question is will star defenseman Charlie McAvoy be healthy enough to play a full season. He is a star on defense and his absence was noticeable last season. If he does not play at least 70 games next season the defense will greatly suffer again.
Can Mason Lohrei repeat his stellar 2024-25 season? With the McAvoy absence, Lohrei stepped up and instantly became the best defensemen on the Boston blueline. Although still young, he has a bright future and may need to be better than last season for the Bruins to come close to a playoff spot. Defenseman Jordan Harris signed a contract for the upcoming season but he is a depth defenseman who does not plan on figuring into the scoring much.
The Bruins goaltending needs to be better
Last season goaltender Jeremy Swayman was not good, plain and simple. After holding out for a new deal, he did not play the same as he is capable of after agreeing to a new deal. Swayman is a talented goaltender who is capable of winning games purely on his skill but he needs to be a Vezina Trophy type of player if Boston has any hope this season due to the holes on the roster. Backup Joonas Korpisalo needs to step up also as he did not perform well last season either. A lot of pressure on the goaltending tandem heading into the new season but that's why they are paid the big bucks.
Boston will not be a top team and they knwo that. They need offense, the defense needs to be exceptional and their goaltenders need to be number one star on most nights. That is a lot to ask and a lot has to go right. The Bruins have to play the games on the schedule but do not expect the playoffs this season and plan for the years ahead. A tough season ahead for the Bruins.