When Morgan Geekie signed with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2023, it was probably an afterthought for most fans diehard and casual alike. After all, the B's were still fresh off a heartbreaking end to their historic 2022-23 campaign and the acquisition of Geekie was also largely overshadowed that day by other additions like Kevin Shattenkirk, James van Reimsdyk and Milan Lucic.
It was very easy to forget that Geekie was once a highly-touted prospect in the Carolina Hurricanes organization and an inaugural member of the Seattle Kraken. Prior to signing with the Bruins, Geekie had 63 points in 180 career NHL games over the course of three seasons.
During his first year with the Bruins, Geekie played mostly as a middle-six winger and was given the tall task of replacing team production previously recorded by the likes of Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi. As a team, Geekie and the Bruins mostly over-performed in 2023-24 and the Manitoba native's point total reached 39.
Heading into this past season, Geekie was given an even taller order to be a regular second line winger. However, despite some skepticism, early benching, and the frequent poor results for the Bruins as a team, Geekie shined in 2024-25, posting 33 goals and 57 points in 77 games, with most of the scoring coming in the second half while the team battled to stay afloat before selling at the trade deadline.
By that point, Geekie was playing on the top line with David Pastrnak
On the last night of the season, Geekie was honored with the Seventh Player Award, given each year to a player who exceeds expectations.
Going forward, Geekie is a restricted free agent this summer. But last week, General Manager Don Sweeney assured assembled media that Geekie was part of the Boston core for the future. Given the obvious leadership vacuum as a result of the Brad Marchand departure, it is fair to ask whether or not
Geekie could assume a leadership role for this team next season and beyond. When taking into account the fact that Geekie stayed healthy and on the ice amidst the Bruins' late-season struggles, he could be well-positioned to aid the Bruins roster through what could be a rocky road.
As any hockey fan knows, it's not just those who wear the letters who are leaders on and off the ice. Often, players like Geekie who exceed expectations are poised to lead others to do the same.