Tag: Boston hockey news

  • Is This Ducks Rookie the Missing Piece for the Boston Bruins?

    Is This Ducks Rookie the Missing Piece for the Boston Bruins?

    After a brutal 2024-25 season, it is apparent that the Boston Bruins should be looking to bring in new talent this summer. This is especially true when noting that they traded away several of their key players at the trade deadline and have plenty of cap space to work with.

    With the offseason now underway, the focus is shifting to what the team can do to rebuild and improve. One area where the Bruins need immediate help is their top six forwards, and one name that stands out as a potential fit is Mason McTavish.

    Why McTavish Could Be a Perfect Fit?

    McTavish, 22, is a pending restricted free agent this summer, and he is precisely the kind of player the Bruins should consider targeting with an offer sheet. If successfully brought in, he would give the Bruins a long-term notable boost at center, which is undoubtedly a massive need.

    But that’s not all — McTavish can also play the wing, so he could help the Bruins’ depth on the second line or in the bottom six as well. His versatility makes him even more appealing.

    If not through an offer sheet, he could also make sense as a trade target for the Bruins. However, with McTavish being a young center with good upside, it would undoubtedly cost the Bruins a significant trade offer to bring him to Boston.

    A Rising Star with Proven Production

    McTavish is coming off a strong 2024-25 season with the Ducks, setting new career highs with 22 goals, 30 assists, 52 points, and 70 hits in 76 games. It was a nice step in the right direction for the 2021 third-round pick, but there is reason to believe that he still can hit another level.

    This only adds to his appeal. With his physical game, scoring touch, and ability to play multiple positions, he could immediately contribute to the Bruins’ offensive depth and provide a much-needed spark.

    The Bruins’ Need for a New Center

    The Bruins’ center position has been a major issue over the past few seasons. With the loss of key players like Marchand and Coyle, Boston needs someone who can step in and take control of the middle of the ice.

    McTavish fits that bill. He’s young, hungry, and ready to prove himself at the next level. If the Ducks are open to trading him, or if he becomes a restricted free agent, the Bruins should seriously consider making a move.

    What This Means for the Bruins

    If the Bruins are serious about rebuilding, they need to look beyond the usual suspects and consider players like McTavish, who can fill a role and grow with the team.

    He may not be a household name just yet, but his performance this season and potential for growth make him a valuable asset for any team looking to add a young, physical forward.

    With the right development, McTavish could become a key piece in the Bruins’ plans.

  • Narrowed Coaching Search, Alleged Voter Fraud, and a Possible Blockbuster Trade

    Narrowed Coaching Search, Alleged Voter Fraud, and a Possible Blockbuster Trade

    After what has turned into a long and exhausting search for the next head coach of the Boston Bruins, we could be getting some closure as to who the next bench boss will be. General manager Don Sweeney has reportedly narrowed his search down to a couple of names, with one name being told he was no longer under consideration, according to an NHL insider.

    On his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Bruins informed interim coach Joe Sacco that he was no longer under consideration for the job. That may be the least surprising news to come out of this drawn-out, long search.

    Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic also reported on Monday that the Bruins are expected to name their next head coach early this week. Marco Strum, Jay Woodcroft, and Mitch Love continue to be the names being circled in rumors.

    While the coaching search is narrowing, fans are still waiting for the final decision, and there’s still talk of possible trades and roster changes as well.

    A Surprise in the Selke Trophy Voting

    Elias Lindholm, despite a brutal first season in Boston, surprisingly received Selke Trophy votes, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

    File this under “What are we even doing here?” Lindholm got one vote, which seems baffling given how he performed during the 2024-25 season. He was criticized for his play and struggled through injuries, but he did show signs of improvement toward the end of the year.

    This unexpected nod from the voting panel has left many scratching their heads, especially considering the team’s struggles and Lindholm’s performance.

    Trade Rumors Continue to Circle Jeremy Swayman

    According to David Pagontta of The Fourth Period, the Edmonton Oilers called the Bruins this season to see if they were looking to move their new $66 million goalie, Jeremy Swayman.

    Sweeney did not entertain the idea, but don’t expect this to be the last time this summer that we hear a rumor that teams are calling to see if the former University of Maine star will be moved.

    The Oilers are doing fine with Stuart Skinner between the pipes as they are in their second straight Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. They may have missed their chance to get one of Boston’s goalies when Linus Ullmark was shipped to the Ottawa Senators last summer. That should have been their target.

    Could There Be Voter Fraud?

    Amid all the coaching speculation and trade rumors, there are also whispers of alleged voter fraud, though the details remain unclear.

    Whether it’s about the coaching hiring process or something else, the mention of such claims adds another layer of intrigue to an already complicated offseason for the Bruins.

    Fans are eager for clarity, and with the coaching search nearing its end, it’s possible these allegations could come to light soon.

    What’s Next for the Bruins?

    With the coaching search finally narrowing, the focus is shifting to what the Bruins might do next. Will they make a bold move? Could they pull off a blockbuster trade?

    For now, the coaching hire is the biggest story, but with rumors of potential deals and questions around the process, the offseason is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent years.

    As the NHL playoffs approach, the Bruins find themselves in a crucial position, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could define their future.