The Boston Bruins entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mandate: improve after a disappointing 2024-25 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. General Manager Don Sweeney, feeling the pressure, embarked on a series of moves via free agency and trade, aiming to retool the roster and inject new life into the team. However, the initial returns are drawing mixed reviews, with some questioning whether the Bruins have truly done enough to contend in a tough Atlantic Division.
Additions and Acquisitions
The most notable addition thus far is winger Viktor Arvidsson, acquired from the Edmonton Oilers for a 2027 fifth-round pick. This low-risk move could pay dividends if Arvidsson, who had a down year in Edmonton with 15 goals and 27 points, can recapture his scoring touch from previous seasons with the Los Angeles Kings. Arvidsson's ability to excel in transition could provide a boost to the Bruins' offense.
In free agency, the Bruins focused on adding depth and experience to their bottom-six forward group. Sean Kuraly returns to Boston on a two-year deal, bringing his reliable two-way play and faceoff prowess. Michael Eyssimont was signed for two years to add speed and forechecking ability to the bottom-six. Tanner Jeannot signed a five-year contract with an AAV of $3.4 million. Matej Blumel, who was signed to a one-year contract, joins the Bruins after a strong AHL season. The Czech native scored 39 goals for the Texas Stars, which was the most across the entire AHL.
To shore up the defense, the Bruins signed Jordan Harris to a one-year contract. Additionally, Jonathan Aspirot was brought in on a one-year, two-way contract. In goal, Luke Cavallin signed a one-year entry-level contract.
The Bruins also extended contracts for some of their own players. Mason Lohrei, Marat Khusnutdinov, Michael Callahan, Morgan Geekie, Henri Jokiharju, John Beecher, and Michael DiPietro all received contract extensions.
Departures
While the Bruins added several new faces, they also saw some players depart. Parker Wotherspoon signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ian Mitchell joined the Detroit Red Wings, and Brandon Bussi went to the Florida Panthers. Jakub Lauko, Matt Grzelcyk, and Craig Smith are also UFAs.
Draft
The Bruins had seven picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. With the seventh overall pick, the Bruins selected James Hagens. Hagens is an excellent player who will likely spend at least one more season playing for Boston College before going pro.
Early Grades
Lingering Questions
Despite the flurry of activity, questions remain about whether the Bruins have done enough to address their core needs. Did the Bruins do enough to improve their chances of making the playoffs? The team still lacks a true top-line center. The Bruins may have shut the door on hidden gem Matej Blumel with offseason moves.
Overall
The Bruins' offseason moves thus far can be described as a mixed bag. While the additions of Arvidsson, Kuraly, Eyssimont, and Blumel bolster the team's depth, the Bruins still have questions at the center position. The team's success will depend on whether these new additions can mesh well with the existing core and whether coach Marco Sturm can get the most out of his players.
