The Boston Bruins have a history of unexpected players stepping up to help propel the team to new heights. Brad Marchand did this in 2011, helping the Bruins win the Stanley Cup, while Torey Krug and Charlie McAvoy were key players in their 2013 and 2019 Stanley Cup Final runs. However, there are growing concerns that the Bruins’ dominance over the past decade may be coming to an end, particularly due to the potential for veteran regression in the 2024-25 season.
This season, the Bruins don’t have many candidates who could step up in the way Marchand, Krug, and McAvoy once did. One player who might fill that role is Fabian Lysell, but the team will need several veterans to perform at a high level again to avoid slipping in the Atlantic Division standings.
If the Bruins begin to show signs of regression, they could face tough competition from the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs, all of whom remain strong contenders. Additionally, the Detroit Red Wings, who have improved during the offseason, may challenge the Bruins for a wild-card spot, marking a significant change from the team’s recent successful seasons.
The Atlantic Division could secure both wild-card spots this year, as the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and Carolina Hurricanes are expected to dominate the Metropolitan Division. Bruins fans might find themselves in an uncomfortable position if the 2024-25 season turns into a battle for a wild-card spot against teams like the Red Wings, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders.
A key concern is how many more years Brad Marchand can continue to contribute at a high level. While the Bruins don’t need him to replicate his 100-point season from 2018-19, Marchand has been one of the most unlikely superstars of the past decade, excelling in all aspects of the game. He has been a crucial part of the Bruins’ success, forming a dynamic duo with Patrice Bergeron since 2011.
Marchand took over the captaincy after Bergeron’s retirement in 2023, and despite adjusting to a new role, he still managed 67 points in 82 games last season. However, his 0.82 points per game was his lowest since the 2015-16 season, marking two consecutive seasons of declining production. If this trend continues, and if Charlie Coyle can’t maintain his level of play from last season, Marchand could face his most challenging season yet in 2024-25.
Charlie Coyle had a career year in 2023-24, stepping up as the Bruins’ top center after the retirement of Bergeron and David Krejci. Coyle recorded a career-high 0.73 points per game and scored 25 goals, significantly more than his previous best. However, his postseason performance revealed that he might be better suited as a third-line center, as he managed just one goal and four assists over 13 playoff games.
To address their center issues, the Bruins signed Elias Lindholm in free agency and will have Matthew Poitras returning from shoulder surgery. The season is expected to start with Coyle centering Marchand and possibly Lysell on the second line, while Zacha will play on the wing with Lindholm and David Pastrnak. While these lines could provide the answers the Bruins need, there is a strong possibility of lineup changes as the season progresses. If Coyle and Marchand are separated, or if Poitras and Lindholm start taking more of Coyle’s minutes, there’s a good chance that Coyle could regress in the 2024-25 season.
