Hockey is back, so here are three big predictions for the Boston Bruins for the 2024-25 season.
The Boston Bruins play their season-opener against the Florida Panthers tonight (Oct. 8). They will look to start their new campaign on the right foot by securing a victory against the team that knocked them out in back-to-back post-seasons.
With the regular-season here, let's take a look at three big predictions for the Bruins in 2024-25 now.
David Pastrnak Hits New Career-High in Points
David Pastrnak took his playmaking to a new level in 2023-24, posting a new career-high with 63 assists. This was after he set current career-highs with 61 goals and 113 points in 82 games for the Bruins in 2022-23.
David PastrnakPastrnak seems to keep getting better, and I see this trend continuing in 2024-25. If he gets back to his 2022-23 goal-scoring and maintains his elite 2023-24 playmaking, Pastrnak will have a real shot at passing his current career-high of 113 points. Having a new center in Elias Lindholm could also do him wonders.
Elias Lindholm Proves Critics Wrong; Has Big Bounce-Back Year
Speaking of Lindholm, the 29-year-old is entering a massive first season with the Bruins. The 2013 first-round pick signed a seven-year, $54.25 million contract this summer with the Bruins, and Boston expects him to be their long-term first-line center.
Elias Lindholm However, after a down 2023-24 season, some Bruins fans have been worried about the Lindholm deal. Yet, I believe the 6-foot-1 center will have a big bounce-back year in Boston and help alleviate some of those worries. He will have the chance to play with a superstar in Pastrnak, and it should benefit his offensive game. In addition, he should be a critical part of their penalty kill because of his strong defensive play.
Jeremy Swayman Is Vezina Candidate After Crazy Summer
It was a wild off-season for Jeremy Swayman. Negotiations between him and the Bruins certainly got sour, but both sides made it work in the end. Swayman landed an eight-year, $66 million earlier this week and will now be Boston's starting goalie for several years to come.
Jeremy SwaymanAfter landing his monster contract, don't be surprised if Swayman puts together a magnificent season. He hit a new level during the Bruins' playoff run this past spring and undoubtedly has the potential to build off it. Because of this, I expect Swayman to make a real case for the Vezina Trophy this campaign.