With just seven games left in the 2024-25 season, the Boston Bruins are at a critical juncture—and that’s where the real story begins. While some key spots are all but locked up for next season, there’s still a lot on the line for players vying for those remaining roster spots.
Interim coach Joe Sacco has dropped a few hints that changes could be coming, even as the season winds down. “We’ll discuss that after every game,” Sacco said Wednesday. “We may get the chance to see a couple more players from Providence come up,” he added. “I wouldn’t rule anything out—because why would you?” That’s the kind of attitude that gets players—and fans—excited.
Those players on the bubble are feeling the heat now. With roster spots up for grabs in 2025-26—and some of those spots likely to be filled by free agents in July—the pressure is really on. Here are some of the players who might be sweating bullets right now—and what they need to do to stay in the Bruins’ plans.
Forwards Feeling the Pressure
Johnny Beecher (73 games: 3-8–11)
Beecher, the 2019 first-round pick, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Despite his speed and size, he hasn’t been a game-changer offensively. That changes this summer, though: his entry-level deal is expiring and he’s got arbitration rights. Based on those three pro seasons, it’s a pretty even bet whether the Bruins will extend him beyond a one-year deal.
Cole Koepke (66 games: 9-7–16)
Koepke has enjoyed his best NHL season so far this year. But he’s hit a bit of a wall lately, with just 0-2–2 in his last 10 games. A strong finish could still get him that affordable contract he wants—but he’ll need to push harder in these final games.
Marat Khusnutdinov (11 games: 2-1–3)
Khusnutdinov showed some flashes of speed and skill after coming over in the Justin Brazeau trade. But results haven’t followed. With his deal expiring and arbitration rights, he needs to start producing more points if he wants to stick around.
Jakub Lauko (11 games: 0-2–2)
Lauko hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in his second stint with the Bruins. But his energy and physicality (33 hits since returning) make him a candidate for a depth role. If Boston doesn’t extend him, he’ll find work elsewhere.
Vinni Lettieri (20 games: 3-1–4)
Lettieri is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He’s got solid AHL credentials, but hasn’t done enough at the NHL level. A few more points down the stretch could help his case for a return in a break-glass-if-needed role.
Fabian Lysell (5 games: 0-0–0)
Lysell finally got his call-up this season. But he hasn’t shown much yet. With another year left on his deal, he’ll likely be back unless the Bruins decide to move him in the offseason.
Defensemen on Thin Ice
Henri Jokiharju (11 games: 0-1–1)
Jokiharju was acquired from Buffalo at the deadline and brings legit NHL skills. But, his $3.1 million cap hit could price him out of Boston if the UFA market drives his value up.
Parker Wotherspoon (48 games: 1-5–6)
Wotherspoon has been a reliable depth guy, but is UFA. He’s done enough to get a one year deal but someone might offer him two.
Ian Mitchell (12 games: 0-1–1)
Mitchell is a RFA with arbitration rights and hasn’t made a case to stay. Unless, he impresses in these last games his future with the Bruins is uncertain.
Goalies: Joonas Korpisalo’s Fate
Joonas Korpisalo (25 games, 12-9-3, 2.89 GAA, .893 save%)
In many ways, that future is tied to the Bruins’ goaltending prospects. Korpisalo has been a steady presence in net, but he’s not getting any younger.
If one of those prospects is ready to take over, the Bruins could free up some cap space and give themselves some breathing room. That’s a decision that will likely come down to whether Korpisalo is still the goalie the Bruins want to build around.
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