What’s Next for the Bruins? Breaking Down the Biggest Offseason Moves
The Boston Bruins entered the 2025 offseason with a mission: to rebuild on the fly while keeping their competitive edge razor-sharp. After a rollercoaster of a season that ended with playoff heartbreak, GM Don Sweeney and the front office knew changes were necessary—not just for today, but for the future.
Let’s break down the biggest offseason moves so far, and what they tell us about where the Bruins are headed.
1. The Big Blue Line Shakeup
It’s clear the Bruins are reshaping their defensive identity. With the departure of Matt Grzelcyk and trade rumors swirling around Derek Forbort, the Bruins wasted no time filling the gap.
Key Addition: Brandon Montour (UFA, Florida Panthers)
Montour brings offensive firepower and speed from the back end, something the Bruins sorely lacked in clutch moments last season. His ability to quarterback the power play and eat big minutes could be game-changing.
Impact: Expect Montour to slot into a top-pairing role immediately, potentially with Charlie McAvoy, creating one of the most dynamic D-pairs in the East.
2. Revamping the Center Depth
Ever since Patrice Bergeron and David Krejčí retired, center depth has been the Bruins’ Achilles heel. This offseason, they finally made a splash to address it.
Key Addition: Elias Lindholm (UFA, Vancouver Canucks)
Signing Lindholm was a statement. The Bruins didn’t just want a stopgap—they wanted a two-way anchor who can win faceoffs, kill penalties, and put up 50+ points.
Impact: Lindholm could become the de facto No. 1 center and provide the stability needed for wingers like Pastrňák and Marchand to thrive.
3. Goaltending Situation: Keep or Cash In?
With Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark both still under contract (for now), the Bruins are sitting on one of the league’s best goaltending tandems—and potentially one of its most valuable trade chips.
Rumor Mill: Ullmark’s name has been hot in trade talks, with teams like the Devils and Kings reportedly showing interest. If the Bruins move him, expect a return that bolsters either their center depth or adds young, NHL-ready prospects.
What to Watch: If a trade happens, it could be the domino that dictates how aggressive Boston is at the trade deadline.
4. Youth Movement on the Horizon
Don’t sleep on the kids. Prospects like Fabian Lysell, Mason Lohrei, and Matthew Poitras are pushing hard for full-time roles. The Bruins have resisted a full-scale rebuild, but they are clearly preparing the next wave.
Training Camp Battles to Watch:
- Will Poitras secure a middle-six role?
- Can Lohrei make the opening-night roster on defense?
- Is Lysell finally ready to bring his offensive spark to the NHL stage?
5. Marchand’s Window is Closing—Fast
With captain Brad Marchand entering the final years of his contract and career, the Bruins know the clock is ticking. That urgency is reflected in their offseason moves: they aren’t just planning for the future—they’re gunning for another deep run right now.
Final Thoughts: A Contender or a Transitional Year?
The Bruins are walking a tightrope between contending and retooling. With savvy signings and potential trades on the horizon, this offseason could define the team’s next five years.
The question remains: Will these moves be enough to push Boston back into serious Cup contention, or are they just buying time until the next core emerges?
Stay tuned. The offseason is just getting started—and the Bruins aren’t done yet.
