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Mailbag: What's next for Boston?

  • Writer: Brian
    Brian
  • May 16
  • 12 min read

ree


First and foremost, thank you to everyone who submitted questions, and to those reading along - the support, and participation is very much appreciated. Your voice, and opinion matters, and I'm honored to provide this platform. If you ever have any questions regarding the Boston Bruins - past, present, or future - ask me anytime and it will be answered in this format on a weekly basis year round. You can find me on X @briandefelice_, @ThePuckUps, or email me at info@puckups.com


With that in mind, let's get started!




ree

Boston needs to identify their core, and determine which players can uniquely compliment while not being redundant - whether those players are currently in the system, or not. David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Elias Lindholm, and Nikita Zadorov all have no movement clauses in their contracts while still having various, yet significant term remaining. Right there, is the first wave of Boston's current, veteran core.


Then there are players who, yes, are under contract, but have less protection and could theoretically be traded with limited, to zero player control. Pavel Zacha ($4.75M cap hit, 8 team no trade list), Casey Mittelstadt ($5.75M cap hit, 9 team no trade list), Jeremy Swayman ($8.25M cap hit, no trade protection until 2026-2027), Joonas Korpisalo ($3M cap hit, 10 team no trade list), Andrew Peeke ($2.75M cap hit, no trade protection), and Mark Kastelic ($1.5M cap hit, no trade protection) fall under this category.


Next there are a few notable young players on entry-level contracts who also have no trade protection. That doesn't mean they could or should be traded, it just means they are easily moveable assets if Boston so chooses. Matt Poitras, Fraser Minten, and Fabian Lysell come to mind here.


Now before we get to the final categories of player, let's first take a step back, and look at the players above in the non-veteran core category. Would Boston would consider moving on from any of them in a hockey trade, if they felt it made them better? Could any be part of a trade package to move up in the NHL Draft? Likely, or unlikely, these are scenarios Bruins management will consider as part of their job. Personally, I have a feeling Boston may try and convert on a hockey trade this summer - Korpisalo, and Mittelstadt are players i'm keeping an eye on. Trading Zacha, or Peeke would surprise me. Kastelic is safe in his role. Swayman is polarizing, but I don't see the Bruins giving up on him just yet, and I am not sure if anyone would be willing to take on his contract right now. The tricky part is that if Swayman's struggles continue and Boston decides they want to try and trade him, then definitely no one will take on his contract - and then his no movement clause kicks in after the 2025-2026 season.


The premier opportunity to add new pieces will be the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 27, and 28 in Los Angeles, CA. There, they will have the No. 7 overall pick, and then seven more picks in the final six rounds, including picks No. 51, and No. 55 overall in round two. Now realistically, the only mystery prospect with a slight chance of turning pro for Boston this year is the 7th overall pick - though extremely unlikely.


The next chance to delete and add players will be free agency. But before Boston adds any unrestricted free agents (UFA's), they need to determine if they will first resign any of their own restricted free agents (RFA's). Here are the Bruins RFA's and their next projected contracts via AFP Analytics :


Morgan Geekie - 4Y, $6.5M

Mason Lohrei - 6Y, $5.4M (long term deal) - OR - 2Y, $3M (short term deal)

John Beecher - 2Y, $1.5M

Jakub Lauko - 1Y, $1.7M

Marat Khusnutdinov - 2Y, $924K


Boston will likely find common ground with Geekie, agree to terms with Lohrei on a similar two-year bridge deal as the one above, and sign Khusnutdinov for cheap as he proves himself. Resigning Lauko, and Beecher will come down to how much allowance money Boston wants for UFA's, and if they're willing to sign cheap enough contracts that will fall within the Bruins' allowance - Beecher, in particular, who did not have a season worth his contract projection above.


This gets us to free agency on July 1. Mitch Marner will be the prized free agent and is projected to sign a contract for 7Y, $13M - Boston, I'm sure will make their best bid for the star right winger. If Boston somehow lands Marner, then they may have minimal spending money remaining for ideally a top-four right shot defensemen, and maybe a cheap veteran forward. More on these possibilities in a future UFA article later this summer. If the Bruins don't win the Marner sweepstakes, then they'll have that money to spend on a 2nd tier free agent addition like Nikolaj Ehlers - 6Y, $8.1M projection, Brock Boeser - 6Y, $8.5M projection, or a player of that ilk, and again maybe a top-four right shot defenseman and a veteran presence. If they aren't the team to obtain Marner, then I would caution Boston to not overcompensate with excess spending - though i'm sure ownership wants to be back in the playoff mix and will give GM, Don Sweeney, the license to buy.


Another interesting avenue the Bruins could take is offer sheets. Now historically, attempting to pry away other teams RFA's has been rather taboo in the NHL. So, would Boston feel comfortable possibly hurting working relationships around the league? Would they feel comfortable with giving up draft compensation required to do so? Maybe, maybe not. If the player is worth it, then business is business, right?


Lastly, there's the possibility of an unexpected in-house prospect making the team out of training camp. Dans Locmelis, for example, is a Boston fourth round draft pick in 2022. His sophomore season at UMass Amherst saw him tally 8G, 25A, 33PTS, in 40GP. He then tore up the AHL during a brief stint for the Providence Bruins scoring 3G, 9A, 12PTS, in 6GP. Currently, Locmelis is having a strong IIHF World Championship tournament for Latvia - scoring at a point per game pace while turning heads and gaining respect from one of the top players in the world (Sidney Crosby) along the way.


Ultimately, there's a lot of different directions the Bruins could go in this offseason. And while it's difficult to predict all of the moving parts, I would expect the roster to look healthier, and far more competitive come October, than it did in April.




ree

David Pastrnak stepped up big time last season both on and off the ice. On the ice, he recorded a point on 47.7% of all Boston goals for. Off the ice, he was the player spokesperson during a tailspin of a season that saw Boston trade away their captain, and multiple locker room leaders. Pastrnak will continue to be relied on.


But who beyond him? Charlie McAvoy of course comes to mind right away. McAvoy's absence due to injury was one of the main reasons why Pastrnak was left to shoulder most of the leadership responsibility last year, especially post trade deadline. Pastrnak, and McAvoy are the two lead candidates to fill Boston's captain vacancy.


Hampus Lindholm should also be expected to step up. He suffered an eventual season ending injury back in November of 2024 and was greatly missed.


Joe Sacco mentioned in his season ending media availability that Nikita Zadorov, and Elias Lindholm were leaders in the locker room post trade deadline. Feeling comfortable enough to be vocal during their first year in Boston is a positive development in subsequent seasons. They've quickly transitioned from the new guys on the block, to prominent members in the dressing room. Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, Brandon Carlo, and Trent Frederic no longer being around created a leadership void, and presented a more natural opportunity for Zadorov, and Lindholm to fill it.


Zadorov in particular is someone who can emerge as an undisputed, outspoken leader due to his large stature, intimidating presence, physicality, and transparent personality. Add to that the fact that Pastrnak, McAvoy, H. Lindholm, and E. Lindholm are more quiet by nature - it could enable Zadorov to carve out a specific role as Boston's primary vocal leader.


The last name of mention is Jeremy Swayman. He needs to be less of an off-ice distraction, and more of an on-ice reliability. That's how he can lead.


Curious if the Bruins look to add a veteran-leadership type presence in free agency.




ree

Yes, in my opinion, the next head coach of the Boston Bruins may not necessarily be currently coaching in the NHL.


Marco Sturm, for example, is currently head coach of the Ontario Reign in the AHL (minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings).


Jay Woodcroft, another potential candidate, is not actively coaching in the NHL.


Sturm, and Woodcroft, however, each have "NHL exposure" Don Sweeney mentioned.


Sweeney's wording did leave room for subjectivity. While "NHL exposure" could mean team consultant, video coach, or director of hockey operations just to name a few non bench coaching positions, I interpreted his vague qualification as possessing at least assistant coaching experience at the NHL level.


Sturm was an assistant coach with the LA Kings for four seasons from 2018-2022.


Woodcroft was a video coach for the Detroit Red Wings from 2005-2008, an assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks, and Edmonton Oilers from 2008-2018, and head coach of the Oilers throughout parts of 2022, and 2023.


As for Gardiner MacDougall, to my knowledge his resume (while extensive) doesn't include experience at the AHL level, let alone the NHL. So, if we're basing his candidacy off of Sweeney's preference, MacDougall doesn't appear to meet Boston's specific criteria. Interestingly enough, coaching the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL this past season, MacDougall has had top-ten draft prospect, Caleb Desnoyers, under his developmental, and watchful eye. However, the Bruins will most certainly hire their next head coach before the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 27.




ree

Interesting question, Frank. I too have wondered about the possibility of trading Casey Mittelstadt this offseason. I wasn't super impressed by him either, but it was tough to accurately assess his game when most of his even strength shifts were centering Cole Koepke, and Vinni Lettieri.


To your point, I agree he would perform better centering more established wingers who could help create time and space for him. Assuming the Bruins top line entering next year is Morgan Geekie, Elias Lindholm, and David Pastrnak, there aren't many internal 2nd line candidates who would help create time and space for Mittelstadt.


Pavel Zacha would likely be on the left wing (where he did play well during the 2022-2023 season), and then right wing would most likely be Matt Poitras among current internal options. Not sure about anyone else, but Zacha, Mittelstadt, and Poitras doesn't seem like the heaviest line to play against.


So which right wings could Boston target in free agency to theoretically play alongside Zacha, and Mittelstadt? Mitch Marner would be the prize acquisition. Marner might not be able to create time and space for Mittelstadt with physical toughness or imposition, but his speed, skill, and playmaking ability would demand so much respect and attention from opponents that it would create time and space for Mittelstadt in that respect.


Beyond Marner, Brock Boeser could be a name worth signing due his proven ability to be a top-six winger, in addition to having been lifelong best friends with Mittelstadt.


I think the Bruins will try to acquire a top-four right shot defensemen in free agency rather than through trade - Dante Fabbro is a name to keep an eye on.


I could see them maybe trying to trade Mittelstadt if it allowed them to free up his roster spot, and $5.75M cap hit, with the intention of replacing him in free agency via Sam Bennett who is projected to carry a slightly higher cap hit of $6.4M.


But aside from a scenario like that, I'm guessing they hold onto Mittelstadt and look to acquire one of Marner, or Boeser to play the right side along Zacha, and Mittelstadt.


As for their 3rd line, Boston may just opt for youth between Fraser Minten, Dans Locmelis, and Poitras. Or maybe they'll acquire a cheap, veteran forward to compliment two younger players on the 3rd line.


Lots of options. Should be an interesting offseason.




ree

Hi, Mike!


Yes, I do believe there will be change at the assistant coaching position for the Bruins.


However, I don't think any change will happen before they hire a new head coach. With all do respect to Chris Kelly, and Jay Leach, the Bruins should allow their new head coach hire to have serious input in the makeup of his assistant coaching staff.


It sounds like according to SportsNet's Elliotte Friedman, Jay Leach has already been interviewing around the league. Seems like Leach is reading the tea leaves, and expect that he and Boston will part ways.


Chris Kelly has been an assistant coach with the Bruins now for four seasons, including time working under three head coaches in Bruce Cassidy, Jim Montgomery, and Joe Sacco - which speaks to the fact that head coaching turnover hasn't affected Kelly's organizational status.


That said, he came under heavy scrutiny this past season for coaching a Boston power play that was ranked 29th in the league.


This is all to say, that Kelly remaining could be a possibility. But he may also be vulnerable based on last year's shortcomings, especially if the Bruins enable the new head coach to have full jurisdiction in hand selecting his staff.


Also, don't forget. The Bruins still need to replace Joe Sacco's assistant coaching role. They never filled it as the season went along, and went from three assistant coaches down to two in Leach, and Kelly.


So, perhaps Boston retains Kelly as a third assistant coach, and work with the new head coach to replace Leach, and the void left at Sacco's assistant coaching post.


Time will tell.




ree

Wouldn't it just be easier to clone a roster full of Marat Khusnutdinov's? (Sorry to everyone else left in the dark, this is an inside joke for my fellow #KhusyGang member BrickTop).


There's a lot of different avenues the Bruins may go this offseason, and it feels like much of it depends on if they're the team to land Mitch Marner, or not.


If they do acquire Marner, then Boston would have at least 200-210 points on their right wing between him, and Pastrnak alone.


If Jeremy Swayman bounces back, (and that's a MASSIVE IF), then he alongside Pastrnak, Marner, McAvoy, H. Lindholm, complimented by E. Lindholm, Morgan Geekie, Pavel Zacha, Casey Mittelstadt, Nikita Zadorov should be a good enough nucleolus for Boston to be back in the playoffs.

Of course they would have to fill in the gaps by adding a 2nd pair right shot defensemen, and hope that a few young players step up in Fraser Minten, Matt Poitras, and maybe even Dans Locmelis.


If Marner signs elsewhere (more likely in my opinion), then Boston's plans will have to audible and they'll likely go after the next best winger available in free agency - whether that be Brock Boeser, or Nikolaj Ehlers.


Now as I mentioned in Frank's question above, I could also see Boston trading one of their top six forwards with a more moveable contract like Casey Mittelstadt, or Pavel Zacha in an effort to open up a roster spot, and some additional cap space for Sam Bennett. Bennett isn't an ideal for Boston at the moment with how their roster is currently constructed. Bennett's 2C caliber, Mittelstadt is 2C caliber, Zacha could be a 2C caliber, hell, even Lindholm is 2C caliber on a deeper roster. Lindholm's contract, however, has him going nowhere. Which means if Boston wants to bring in Bennett, they may likely have to rid of some roster redundancy by moving a tradable contract via Zacha, or Mittelstadt.


This offseason is a mystery, but i'm here for all of it!




ree

Maria, hope you've been enjoying some Greg's recently! For those who love Italian cuisine, it doesn't get any better than Greg's in Watertown, MA - unreal chicken parm.


No free ads though, of course .. (but definitely try them).


Yes, Boston has some serious work to do, but no, there shouldn't be much concern that there is no head coach in place yet.


The timeline partly depends on who they end up hiring. For example, if Misha Donskov is their lead candidate and Dallas makes the Stanley Cup Final, they wouldn't be able to hire Donskov until at least some time in June.


If Marco Sturm, Jay Woodcroft, or someone else is the eventual hire, then perhaps the Bruins hire one of them any time now. Although, even then, they still may want to interview Donskov in June before deciding on another candidate.


At the end of the day, the Bruins will absolutely have their next head coach hired before the NHL Entry Draft on June 27th, and possibly well before.


Now free agency begins on July 1st, so it would benefit Boston to hire their next head coach with as much of a window before then as possible. Why? Because the Bruins may want their next head coach to have an opinion on acquiring prospective UFA's, and, or, perhaps prospective UFA's potentially choose Boston in part because of an affinity for the new head coach.




ree

I'm sure Cam Neely appreciates, and values Rick Tocchet's style of coaching, and if it were completely up to Neely, perhaps Tocchet would've be his preference prior to him signing with the Philadelphia Flyers.


That said, it's not entirely up to Neely. Boston may have never even been Tocchet's top choice. In fact, I doubt they were. Even if Boston offered Tocchet the same money that Philly did, i'm sure Tocchet would have still chosen the Flyers over the Bruins. Tocchet spent half of his 22 NHL seasons playing for the Broad Street Bullies.


Ultimately, Tocchet ended up signing at $5.25M per year. Did the Bruins match that offer, or were they outbid? No one outside of the parties involved know for sure.


It might be for the better, though. Tocchet is an intelligent, honest and old school personality. But perhaps the Bruins will benefit more from a fresh face, and an outside the box hire.




That wraps it up for Mailbag No. 1.


Thank you all so very much for submitting your questions!




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