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  • Bruins Emerge as Top Contenders for Rick Tocchet

    Bruins Emerge as Top Contenders for Rick Tocchet

    The Boston Bruins are making noise in the NHL coaching market and are one of the top teams to land veteran head coach Rick Tocchet. They’re looking for a proven leader and are positioning themselves to make a big splash this offseason.

    Why Rick Tocchet is a Hot Ticket

    Rick Tocchet, 61, is the most wanted coaching candidate this offseason after being let go by the Vancouver Canucks at the end of the 2024-25 season. Despite a disappointing finish in Vancouver—where the Canucks missed the playoffs by six points—Tocchet’s resume is impressive.

    Last season he won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year and led the Canucks to a Pacific Division title and a 50-23-9 record. In three years in Vancouver, he was 108-65-27 (.608) overall. He can build a competitive team.

    Bruins Among Top Contenders

    According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Bruins are among the “top contenders” for Tocchet’s services, along with the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken. The Flyers are going hard after him but the Bruins have some unique advantages that could sway Tocchet.

    For starters, Tocchet has deep ties to Boston. He played for the Bruins from 1995 to 1997, skating alongside franchise legends like Cam Neely and Don Sweeney. Today, Neely is the president and Sweeney is the GM—a connection that could be big in bringing Tocchet back to Boston.

    “Boston is a club I’ve been saying keep an eye on the Bruins,” said The Athletic’s Rick Dhaliwal on a recent episode of Donnie & Dhali . “I will be surprised if the Bruins don’t contact Tocchet. He’s a Boston guy.”

    Dhaliwal added, “Boston is a place where it just reeks of Rick Tocchet. Cam Neely’s running the show there. I would be shocked if Boston isn’t a team that looks at Rick Tocchet.”

    What Tocchet Brings to the Bruins?

    If hired, Tocchet would bring a ton of experience and a no nonsense approach to coaching that fits the Bruins perfectly. He’s a fiery guy and a player’s coach and could be the perfect fit for a team that wants to stay relevant.

    But it won’t come cheap. According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Tocchet will command one of the biggest contracts ever for an NHL head coach.

    “I think he’s going to have multiple mega offers that are game changers for the coaching pay scale,” Seravalli said. “I’m going to project that Rick Tocchet is on at least a 5 year deal and north of $6 million per year.”

    For the Bruins, investing in Tocchet would be a commitment to staying competitive in a rapidly changing Eastern Conference.

    The Competition for Tocchet

    The Bruins are in the mix, but they’re not the only team in the hunt. The Flyers are going hard, and the Kraken are looking to take the next step as a franchise. The Flyers have a history with Tocchet—he played 621 games in Philly. That could be an advantage, but the Bruins have the front office connections and organizational stability that could tip the scale in their favor.

    What’s Next for the Bruins?

    If the Bruins choose Tocchet over younger, less experienced guys like Misha Donskov or Mitch Love, it will be a change of strategy. Instead of going with a new face, the Bruins are looking to bring in a battle tested leader to guide the team through the next chapter.

    For now, all eyes are on Boston as they make this decision. Will they roll the dice on Tocchet or go elsewhere? One thing is for sure: the Bruins’ decision will be huge for the franchise.

  • Former Boston Bruins Coach Criticizes Officials After Overtime Loss

    Former Boston Bruins Coach Criticizes Officials After Overtime Loss

    Bruce Cassidy, the outspoken former head coach of the Boston Bruins and current bench boss of the Vegas Golden Knights, never hesitates to speak his mind—whether it’s about players, opposing coaches or referees. And his fiery personality was on full display after a gut-wrenching overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of their second-round series.

    A Controversial Play Sparks Outrage

    The game was tied 4-4 heading into overtime Thursday night in Vegas. The tension was high as both teams battled for the win. But just before Leon Draisaitl scored the winner 15:20 into overtime, a controversial play unfolded that had Cassidy seething.

    Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb was skating behind the net to get the puck when Edmonton forward Victor Arvidsson tripped him, sending McNabb crashing into the boards. The hit was 17 seconds before Draisaitl’s goal, but no call was made.

    Cassidy didn’t sugarcoat it after the game.

    “Listen, Gord’s (Dwyer) looking at it,” Cassidy said, referring to the ref. “He blew it, he missed the call. I don’t know what else to say. I mean, it’s a can opener trip, it’s a dirty play, it’s all of that—but it didn’t get called, so you’ve got to keep playing.”

    He was mad not just because of the missed call but because it directly affected the outcome of the game. The Oilers now lead 2-0 heading back to Edmonton for Game 3.

    What Happened During the Play?

    Replays showed Arvidsson stick him and trip McNabb and he loses control and hits the boards. While it wasn’t a penalty according to the refs, many thought it was at least a minor.

    For Cassidy, it’s not just about one play – it’s about how these calls (or non-calls) can swing the momentum of a game, especially in the NHL playoffs.

    Looking Ahead to Game 3

    With the series shifting to Edmonton for Game 3 on Saturday, the Golden Knights are in a tough spot. Down 2-0 to the defending Western Conference champs, they need to dig deep and overcome the Oilers and their own frustration.

    And to make matters worse, there are injury concerns – will McNabb be able to play after hitting the boards? And will Cassidy get league discipline for his post-game comments, which could come with fines or other penalties?

    But Cassidy is confident his team can bounce back. He’s a resilient coach, and he’ll push his players to channel their anger into performance on the ice.

  • Bruins Legend Patrice Bergeron Receives Huge NHL Honor

    Bruins Legend Patrice Bergeron Receives Huge NHL Honor

    The Boston Bruins are celebrating another big milestone for one of their all-time greats. On Friday, Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron was named to the NHL’s Quarter-Century Team, joining teammate Zdeno Chara in this exclusive group. This is a testament to Bergeron’s incredible skill but also his leadership and commitment to the game over two decades.

    A Well-Deserved Recognition

    Patrice Bergeron being on the NHL Quarter-Century Team puts him in the same company as the best of his generation. One of seven players who debuted between 2000 and 2010, Bergeron is a six-time Selke Trophy winner — an NHL record that proves he’s one of the best defensive forwards in league history.

    But that’s not all. Bergeron also won the Mark Messier Leadership Award (2021), the King Clancy Memorial Trophy (2013), and the NHL Foundation Player Award (2014). And let’s not forget the big one: he won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.

    In a statement released by the Bruins, Bergeron said:

    “Being named to the NHL’s Quarter-Century Team is an amazing honor — I accept with gratitude and humility. This is not just about me, but about all the people who supported me and believed in me along the way.”

    He went on to thank his teammates, coaches, trainers and family for their roles in his success.

    “More than anything, I’m thankful for the memories and friendships for life that this game has given me.”

    Marchand’s Tribute to Bergeron

    Marchand also had some kind words about Bergeron in the release. Marchand talked about Bergeron’s unmatched leadership and team-first mentality:

    “The amount of time and effort he puts into making sure every guy, every day is in the right headspace, feeling good about themselves… He’s always looking for ways to bring the group closer together and have us bond and build chemistry.”

    Marchand added, on Bergeron’s ability to lift the team:

    “That’s not something that happens overnight. That’s a gift.”

    Marchand’s words sum up what makes Bergeron so special – not just his talent, but his selflessness and commitment to building a winning culture within the Bruins organization.

    Why Is This So Big?

    The NHL Quarter-Century Team is the top players from the last 25 years, divided by their debut eras. Bergeron joins Zdeno Chara, who is from the pre-2000 era, as one of the two Bruins on the team. Together they represent the legacy of the franchise.

    For Bergeron, this is a generational player whose impact goes beyond the numbers. His leadership, consistency and sportsmanship sets the standard for future players to follow.

    The Legacy Continues

    The NHL is revealing the final 12 members of the Quarter-Century Team this weekend and Bergeron’s inclusion is a reminder of his staying power. Whether it’s the Selke Trophy records or bringing the Cup to Boston, Bergeron is the definition of professionalism and excellence.

    You can be proud Bruins fans, your captain’s legacy will be in the record books forever.

  • Ex-Bruins Defenseman Torey Krug Not Expected to Play Again in NHL

    Ex-Bruins Defenseman Torey Krug Not Expected to Play Again in NHL

    The St. Louis Blues got some bad news on Tuesday as general manager Doug Armstrong said veteran defenseman Torey Krug is unlikely to play again due to a severe ankle injury he suffered last summer. The announcement came at the team’s end of season press conference and puts a damper on what has been a great career for the former Boston Bruin.

    A Career at Risk After Years of Battling Injury

    Armstrong told reporters: “I talked to him, he was at the rink the other day and he’s just getting almost normal day-to-day living with his leg, his ankle. So I’m not expecting him to play again.”

    The surgery he had was very, very invasive so there’s not much hope for a comeback. Both Armstrong and Krug are hopeful but reality says otherwise.

    Krug himself explained the injury: “I broke my ankle six years ago in the playoffs when I was with Boston. Over the last few years it’s been getting worse and worse. I’ve been able to manage it for so long now. Last year was definitely tough, trying to manage the pain level.”

    The Injury That Changed Everything

    He told us the injury dates back to the 2018 playoffs when he was still with the Bruins.

    “I broke my ankle six years ago now in the playoffs when I was with Boston,” Krug said. “Over the last few years it’s been getting worse and worse.”

    For years he managed the pain and played through it but last year was the worst. He couldn’t keep up with the physical demands of the NHL and this summer the pain was too much.

    “This summer I wasn’t really able to do the things I needed to do to prepare for the NHL season,” Krug said. “A lot of pain and stuff.”

    After more than six weeks of rehab he decided to have surgery to address the “pre-arthritic changes” in his ankle. Unfortunately it’s left him with an uncertain future on the ice.

    A Storied NHL Career Comes to a Close

    Krug’s career has been pretty amazing. Since breaking in with the Bruins, he’s been one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen of his era. Over 778 games with Boston and St. Louis he’s put up: 89 goals and 394 assists for 483 points.

    In 2020, he signed a 7 year, $45.5 million deal with the Blues in free agency – a move that showed he was committed to helping St. Louis be competitive. But injuries have derailed most of his time with the team.

    If Krug doesn’t come back to the ice, his career will be over after he fulfills the first 4 years of his contract. He’ll be on long term injured reserve (LTIR) for the last 2 years of his deal and will have a $6.5 million cap hit until it expires in 2027. At that point he can retire and be remembered as one of the best blue liners of his generation.

    What’s Next for the Blues?

    With Krug’s future uncertain, the Blues will have to figure out what to do with the rest of his contract. If they want to free up roster space they can trade his deal to a cap strapped team that needs LTIR space.

    But, even if Krug never plays again, his impact on the ice and in the locker room will be loved by teammates, coaches and fans.

  • Why These 8 Players Are Perfect Fits for the Bruins in 2025?

    Why These 8 Players Are Perfect Fits for the Bruins in 2025?

    For the first time in over a decade, the Boston Bruins are set to pick in the top 10 of the NHL Draft. After a rough 2024-25 season, the Bruins are hoping to land a blue chip talent to turn things around. With the draft lottery coming up, here’s a look at eight prospects who could be a fit for the Bruins.

    Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

    If the Bruins get lucky and get a top two pick, Michael Misa could be the answer to their center problem.

    • Why He Fits: Misa is a dynamic offensive player who can score and create. 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games last season is elite. Compared to Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point, Misa has the hockey IQ and skill to be a franchise center.
    • Impact on Boston: Misa would give the Bruins a top six center who can drive the power play and penalty kill. 6-foot-1, 184 pounds, he’s got room to grow physically, but already has video game like stats.

    Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL)

    If the Bruins get the No. 1 overall pick, Matthew Schaefer might be too good to pass up—even if they need a center more.

    • Why He Fits: Schaefer is a smooth-skating, two-way defenseman with elite offensive upside. Even with missing part of the season due to injury, he had 22 points in 17 games and was Erie’s best defenseman.
    • Impact on Boston: Pairing Schaefer with Charlie McAvoy would give the Bruins one of the best top defensive pairs in the NHL for years to come. While centers are a bigger need, Schaefer’s high ceiling makes him a nice option.

    James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)

    Hagens might not be the sexy pick some fans want, but his skill set matches what the Bruins need.

    • Why He Fits: A faster skater than Jack Hughes, Hagens is known for his speed and playmaking. His freshman season wasn’t as explosive as expected but he had 37 points in 37 games against tough competition.
    • Impact on Boston: If available at 5-7, Hagens would bring immediate value as a future top-line center. His skating and vision makes him a versatile weapon who could play with Boston’s established scorers.

    Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)

    Frondell may not have the name recognition, but his pro-ready game makes him a safe yet exciting pick.

    • Why He Fits: The Swedish center dominated Sweden’s second-tier league, 25 points in 29 games—a historic feat for a U-18 player. Frondell has a heavy shot and is physical, a two-way forward.
    • Impact on Boston: As a shot-first center, Frondell could get into the NHL quicker than most prospects. His size (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) and skill checks all the boxes for a top-six role.

    Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

    Desnoyers may not be flashy, but he’s reliable and all around.

    • Why He Fits: He’s a “safe” pick because of his well rounded game. 84 points in the regular season and 24 in the playoffs shows his consistency.
    • Impact on Boston: Not a top liner but his versatility and discipline makes him a Selke Trophy contender down the road. He’d be a second line center or shutdown role.

    Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    O’Brien’s stock is rising and for good reason he’s a natural playmaker with untapped potential.

    • Why He Fits: 98 points in 66 games shows he can produce at a high level. His vision and passing ability stands out especially near the net.
    • Impact on Boston: Needs to work on his skating and add muscle but O’Brien’s creativity and finishing ability projects him as a top 6 forward in a few years.

    Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

    McQueen brings size and skill but durability and skating are concerns.

    • Why He Fits: 6’5” and hard to miss on the ice. Despite injuries this season he showed flashes of brilliance with 20 points in 17 games.
    • Impact on Boston: If McQueen becomes a reliable 2nd line center his size and skill would be a nightmare matchup for opponents. But his injury history is a red flag.

    Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

    Martone is a unique blend of grit and skill that would be a fan favorite in Boston.

    • Why He Fits: 6’3” and uses his body to win battles and finish plays. 98 points with Brampton shows he can dominate games physically and offensively.
    • Impact on Boston: Martone’s tenacity and scoring ability makes him a power forward. Even if he’s not their biggest need at center he’d be a big boost to the forward depth.

  • Did the Bruins Just Find Their Future Star in Fabian Lysell?

    Did the Bruins Just Find Their Future Star in Fabian Lysell?

    The Boston Bruins’ 2024-25 season may be over, but for Fabian Lysell, the journey is far from done. Just days after playing his last game for Boston, he was back in Providence ready to help the P-Bruins push for the Calder Cup.

    Lysell has given Bruins fans reason to believe he could be a cornerstone of the franchise’s future with flashes of brilliance in his late season stint in the NHL.

    Lysell’s Breakthrough in Boston

    When Fabian Lysell was called up to the NHL in March after the trade deadline, he had high expectations, but results didn’t come right away. Over his first 8 games, he didn’t register a point. But instead of getting frustrated, he leaned into what makes him special: his speed and tenacity.

    By the end of the season, Lysell had found his groove. In his last 4 games, he had 3 points (1G 2A) and proved his talent could translate to the NHL. His best play came in the season finale against the New Jersey Devils on April 15. Battling veteran defenseman Brenden Dillon for the puck behind the net Lysell wheeled around and fed Marat Khusnutdinov a nice pass to tie the game and send it to overtime.

    For a Bruins team that was slow and inconsistent all season Lysell’s energy and playmaking was a bright spot.

    What Makes Lysell Special?

    Fabian Lysell’s best asset is his speed—a tool that can be used at any level of hockey. According to Providence head coach Ryan Mougenel, recognizing and using that speed has been key to Lysell’s development.

    “The one thing for Fabian was he realized—his speed is an asset,” Mougenel said. “It’s an asset at any level he plays. He’s fast, even in the NHL.”

    Lysell’s straight line speed allows him to win races to pucks and create scoring chances out of nothing. While his offense hasn’t always translated into points, his work ethic is constant, and he’s always a threat on the ice. As Lysell continues to develop, especially along the boards and in the defensive zone, he’s going to be a more complete player.

    A Player Finding His Groove

    After struggling to adjust early in his NHL stint, Lysell started to find his rhythm towards the end of the season. Looking back on his growth, he admitted nerves were a factor early, but eventually went away as he got more comfortable.

    “The last four games, I felt more comfortable, you know? All the nerves were kind of settling in, and I started to feel normal,” Lysell said. “You’re not trying to rush anything. You’re just trying to stay patient within the game. And yeah, it was fun. A lot of fun.”

    His confidence wasn’t lost on the Bruins. Management told him to keep playing smart and work on specific areas of his game, like battling along the boards to keep plays alive. Those little things can make a big difference as he tries to earn a bigger role next year.

    Proving Himself in Providence

    Lysell wants to start in Boston, but for now, his focus is on helping the Providence Bruins win a Calder Cup. The P-Bruins open their Atlantic Division Semifinals series against the Charlotte Checkers, and Lysell knows this is another chance to prove himself under pressure.

    Mougenel thinks stints like Lysell’s recent NHL time can be a motivator moving forward. “Stints like that can go two ways,” Mougenel said. “Sometimes it makes players realize they need to work on a lot of things. And the second part of that is the NHL is a really good league, and it’s a good place to stay, and it makes you hungry.”

    If Lysell can channel that hunger into a playoff performance, he’ll only make his case stronger for a spot in Boston’s lineup next fall.

    Is Lysell the Answer for Boston?

    Boston’s forward group was a major weakness this season, with too many slow skaters who couldn’t score consistently. Lysell gives us a glimpse into how the Bruins can fix that going forward. His speed, skill, and determination bring a dynamic element Boston so desperately needs.

    If his finish to the NHL season is any indication, he can carve out a big role for himself in 2025-26. Training camp will be competitive for roster spots, but Lysell seems determined to prove he’s one of the top forwards.

  • Bruins GM Don Sweeney Reveals Plans for Empty Captaincy Role

    Bruins GM Don Sweeney Reveals Plans for Empty Captaincy Role

    The Boston Bruins are at a crossroads. After trading away longtime captain Brad Marchand at the deadline, the team is now in uncharted territory when it comes to leadership. With no obvious successor to step into the role, GM Don Sweeney recently spoke about how the organization plans to approach filling, or not filling, the captaincy ahead of the 2025-26 season.

    A New Era Without a Leader

    For years, the Bruins’ captaincy was a no-brainer. Zdeno Chara wore the “C” for over a decade before passing it to Patrice Bergeron, who in turn handed it to Marchand. But now with Marchand gone and the team going through so much turnover, there’s no obvious choice.

    On the “100% Hockey” podcast with John Shannon and Daren Millard, Sweeney talked about the process of deciding if the Bruins will even name a new captain anytime soon.

    “We’ll go through that process and make that (decision) organizationally whether that’s the best for us,” Sweeney said. “I’ve said we need to reestablish what our leadership group is.”

    Rebuilding Leadership Takes Time

    Sweeney said leadership can’t be forced, it has to develop naturally within the group. He talked about how the Bruins struggled to establish a leadership approach this past season after Bergeron’s retirement.

    “We have some great guys that are looking forward to filling those voids,” Sweeney said. “Peel back a year ago, I thought a lot of this transition was going to happen a year ago with the departure of Patrice. … Some of the things guys were going through, we had a difficult time having that galvanized leadership approach to things, and we need to go about getting back to reestablishing that.”

    The Bruins aren’t just looking to hand someone the “C” but to get the entire leadership group aligned. Whether that means naming a captain or having multiple guys share responsibilities is to be seen.

    Head Coach Comes First

    Before the Bruins can figure out the captaincy, they have to figure out the head coach. Sweeney said this is the top priority right now because the head coach will set the culture and leadership tone in the locker room.

    Luckily the Bruins have plenty of candidates for both positions. The challenge is figuring out which ones, or combination of ones, can guide the team through this rebuild.

    What’s Next for the Bruins?

    While we wait for answers on the captaincy, Sweeney’s comments suggest we’ll have to be patient. Instead of rushing to name a new leader, the Bruins are going to let the process play out.

    Will David Pastrnak be the face of the franchise? Will Charlie McAvoy be the vocal defenseman? Or will the Bruins go with a committee approach to leadership? We won’t have those answers overnight but when we do, it’ll reflect the bigger picture Sweeney and the front office have for the team moving forward.

  • Bruins Should Pursue Canucks Forward This Offseason to Boost Roster

    Bruins Should Pursue Canucks Forward This Offseason to Boost Roster

    The Boston Bruins are staring down the barrel of an important offseason after a 2024-25 season that fell short of expectations. With plenty of cap space to play with, the Bruins can rebuild their roster and get back to being competitive. One name they should be looking at? Vancouver Canucks forward Pius Suter, a pending UFA who can bring much needed depth and secondary scoring to the lineup.

    Why Pius Suter is the Perfect Fit for the Bruins?

    Suter had a career year for the Canucks despite their tough season. In 81 games, the 28-year-old Swiss forward set new career highs with 25 goals and 46 points. That’s scoring the Bruins desperately need after trading away Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic this season.

    But what makes Suter so appealing isn’t just the scoring – it’s the versatility. He can play center and wing which gives coach Jim Montgomery flexibility with line combinations. Suter’s two-way game is strong and he can play in all situations – penalty kill and power play. For a Bruins team looking to rebuild the forward group, having a player who can fit in anywhere is huge.

    Addressing Key Weaknesses

    The Bruins traded away key forwards like Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and Trent Frederic and now have holes in their forward group. Those moves were made for the future, but the team still needs impact players to fill those voids.

    Signing Suter would address the lack of offense and bring stability to the lineup. He showed he can play in a top nine role last season and with how thin the Bruins’ forward corps is now adding, someone with Suter’s skill set and reliability could be huge.

    Coaching Search Adds Another Layer of Intrigue

    As the Bruins are evaluating their roster needs, they are also searching for a coach to replace the interim. Joe Sacco, who stepped in as interim coach, hasn’t been ruled out as a candidate for the full time position but management is considering all options before making a decision.

    Whoever gets the job will inherit a team in transition. Bringing in a proven commodity like Suter could help take some pressure off the new bench and provide veteran leadership in the room. Players like Suter are glue guys who elevate everyone around them.

    Other Moves to Watch This Offseason

    While Suter should be the top priority, the Bruins are already making moves. They let go of Matt Grzelcyk, whose role dwindled in the playoffs. They acquired Henri Jokiharju in a trade to bolster the D.

    In the AHL, the Providence Bruins are keeping hope alive by making the Calder Cup playoffs. Their success is a reminder to develop young talent and sign established vets like Suter.

    Will the Bruins Make Their Move?

    With so many question marks around the Bruins, signing Pius Suter in free agency feels like a no brainer. He checks all the boxes: offense, defense, position flexibility. If signed, he’ll be a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the new forward group.

    For a team looking to bounce back from a terrible season, signing Suter would be the first step to getting back in contention. We’ll see if they make a push for him but the fit is clear.

  • Bruins Offseason Shrouded in Accountability Issues

    Bruins Offseason Shrouded in Accountability Issues

    The 2024-25 Boston Bruins season was a total disaster and the team finished at the bottom of the NHL standings. Fans were frustrated and rightfully so. But on Wednesday during the post-mortem press conference, CEO Charlie Jacobs came out and sounded accountable.

    “We owe you a better team and we will deliver a better team,” Jacobs said. “I share your disappointment and frankly embarrassment at how bad this season was.”

    Jacobs said the results were “completely unacceptable” and that accountability would be at an all-time high going forward. Sounds good but as the presser went on cracks started to show in the Bruins’ commitment to actual accountability.

    Accountability Takes a Backseat

    What started out as a good mea culpa quickly turned into defensiveness. Instead of talking about specific plans to get better, much of the conversation turned into whataboutism—a tactic that undermines the Bruins’ credibility.

    One of the biggest examples came when The Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont brought up the Bruins’ struggles in drafting and developing young talent. General Manager Don Sweeney and President Cam Neely didn’t take that lying down.

    “Can you just elaborate on that, Kevin?” Neely asked, challenging Dupont to clarify his point about Boston’s poor drafting record.

    Dupont pointed out the Bruins’ lack of top-10 picks and first-round selections over the last few years. Neely countered by bringing up the 2015 NHL Draft and said Don Sweeney wasn’t given enough time to prepare.

    While it’s true Sweeney inherited a tough situation in 2015, dwelling on the past felt like a distraction. Instead of talking about current problems or how to fix them, Neely seemed more interested in defending old decisions—decisions fans have long moved on from.

    Drafting and Developing: A Persistent Problem

    Neely says the narrative around Boston’s drafting is “a little off.” He points out that many of the players drafted by the Bruins have played NHL games, which he calls a success.

    But let’s be real: Just playing in the NHL shouldn’t be the benchmark for evaluating draft picks. What matters is whether those players contribute once they get there.

    Take Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (29 NHL games) and Jack Studnicka (107 games) for example. Are these guys “hits”? Or are they misses?

    Look no further than the 2016 draft, where Boston took Trent Frederic 26th overall—a player scouts called a bottom six grinder not a top line producer. Six picks later, they took Jordan Kyrou and then Alex DeBrincat 39th. Both are top six forwards in the NHL.

    In 2017, Boston went defense again and took Urho Vaakanainen 18th. Meanwhile, Josh Norris, 19th, and Robert Thomas, 20th, became offensive players elsewhere.

    Even in 2019 and they went with Johnny Beecher—a safe, high floor pick who has not lived up to expectations.

    These are the patterns: The Bruins have consistently chosen low risk, low reward over high upside. And while some teams have found gems late in the first round (Wyatt Johnston, Connor McMichael), the Bruins haven’t been one of them.

    Pass the Buck, Lack of Clarity

    The lack of accountability went beyond the draft. When asked about hiring a new head coach—a role with a notoriously short shelf life under Sweeney’s leadership—the answers were dismissive at best.

    “I’ll call you back and let you know if someone says no,” Sweeney said when asked about candidates being hesitant.

    Meanwhile, Jacobs said, “The shelf life of a head coach is much shorter than a general manager or a team president.”

    That may be true, but it doesn’t excuse the front office from creating a stable environment for coaches to succeed.

    Looking Ahead or Living in the Past?

    Despite their recent struggles the Bruins are optimistic about the future. Jacobs said they’ll be back in the playoffs in 2026 with the additions they have planned and a healthier roster.

    Neely echoed that but added a qualifier: “It’s not just about getting into the playoffs here, it’s about winning.”

    That’s a great goal but it requires more than just words. It requires facing the past head on and making real changes.

    For example, if the Bruins had beaten the Blues in Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final or kept themselves competitive against the Panthers in 2023, the narrative might be different today. But dwelling on what ifs won’t get the team moving forward.

  • Why the Bruins Are Making Morgan Geekie a Priority This Offseason?

    Why the Bruins Are Making Morgan Geekie a Priority This Offseason?

    The Boston Bruins have made it clear: Morgan Geekie is not just another player on their roster—he’s a building block for their future. After a two-year tear where he lit the lamp and cemented himself as a top-six forward, the Bruins are going to do everything in their power to keep the 26-year-old forward in the lineup for years to come.

    A Two-Year Run That Demands Attention

    When Morgan Geekie signed with the Bruins in 2023 on a two-year, $4 million deal, nobody could have predicted what he would do. Over his time in Boston, Geekie has 50 goals and 96 points in 153 games. That puts him second in goals scored behind only David Pastrnak and fourth in points among Bruins skaters.

    In the 2024-25 season alone, Geekie set career highs across the board—33 goals and 24 assists for 57 points. His five-on-five production per 60 minutes was right up there with superstars like Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon. But beyond the numbers, Geekie has brought another level to the Bruins’ offense especially playing with David Pastrnak.

    Bruins GM Don Sweeney didn’t beat around the bush when talking about Geekie’s value:

    “It’s obvious we want to get in front of [re-signing Geekie], because that sets up other things we may or may not be able to do,” Sweeney said. “We’d like to sign him to a longer term deal. He had a hell of a year.”

    Why Geekie is Non-Negotiable for the Bruins?

    Geekie is a restricted free agent (RFA), so the Bruins have all the leverage. Other teams can offer him an offer sheet, but matching those offers would be manageable given his projected salary. But Sweeney said losing Geekie isn’t an option.

    “We know he’s going to be on our team next year regardless,” he said.

    But the Bruins aren’t just going to keep Geekie – they want to lock him up long-term. With over $28 million in cap space heading into the 2025 offseason, the team has the room to make a deal that reflects both his current production and his growth.

    The question is, where does Geekie fit into the Bruins long-term plans? If he continues to be a top-line player, the Bruins will have to pay him accordingly. If he becomes a third-line player, they’ll look to structure the deal to avoid a “third-line albatross” like they did with David Backes.

    What’s Next for Negotiations?

    Talks between the Bruins and Geekie’s camp started before the 2024-25 season, but no deal was reached. However, both sides are still talking, and it’s all mutual respect and shared goals.

    Sweeney acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations but is optimistic they’ll find common ground.

    “I’ll save those conversations for my internal group,” he said. “We want a long-term deal. We’ll look at term, AAV and all the factors to find the right landing spot.”

    The upcoming increase in the NHL cap adds another layer to these talks. Middle-six talent like Geekie is going to get paid more than he has in almost a decade, so this negotiation is big for both sides.

    The Bigger Picture

    For the Bruins, it’s not just about rewarding a good player – it’s about building a contender. As the team goes through transitions elsewhere in the roster keeping a proven scorer like Geekie ensures continuity and stability moving forward. Plus, he’s versatile. He can center the 2nd line or be a depth scorer and his ability to play different roles makes him more important to the team. For a GM like Sweeney who likes to make smart moves, locking up Geekie fits the Bruins’ big picture.