The highly anticipated 2024-25 NHL season is almost upon us, and Last Word on Hockey is here to bring you all the latest Puck Drop Previews. Today, we turn our attention to the Boston Bruins, a team with high expectations and a roster full of new faces.
General Manager Don Sweeney wasted no time in making moves this offseason, starting with sending goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, center Mark Kastelic, and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. Korpisalo is set to take over the backup goaltending duties, although it’s unlikely he will alternate games as Ullmark did with Swayman. The departure of key players like Jake DeBrusk, Matt Grzelcyk, and Derek Forbort left gaps in the lineup that Sweeney aimed to fill with aggressive offseason moves.
In addition to the Ullmark trade, Sweeney made two other significant signings in free agency, bringing in Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. Lindholm is expected to slot into a crucial center role, while Zadorov will be counted on to anchor the defense after the loss of two left-handed defensemen. With cap space still available and Jeremy Swayman in need of an extension, Sweeney added depth with forwards Max Jones and Riley Tufte. Jones will provide bottom-six depth, while Tufte is likely to start in the minors. The door is also open for prospects to make their mark and earn a spot in the lineup.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Bruins’ forward lines are shaping up with Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm, and David Pastrnak leading the charge. Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and rookie sensation Fabian Lysell form a formidable second line, while Trent Frederic, Matthew Poitras, and Morgan Geekie round out the third line. Max Jones, John Beecher, and Mark Kastelic provide depth and versatility on the bottom lines.
As the 2023-24 season draws to a close, the Boston Bruins are gearing up for a fresh start with a revamped roster and high expectations. With a mix of established veterans, new acquisitions, and potential prospects, the Bruins are poised to make waves in the competitive NHL landscape. Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates and analysis on the Boston Bruins and their quest for success in the 2024-25 season.
