After a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, the Boston Bruins will be looking to get things back on track next season. The Bruins are hoping to be more competitive in 2025-26, especially after a busy off-season that saw them focus on improving their depth. 

When looking at their current group, it is absolutely apparent who their biggest X-factor is heading into next season - goaltender Jeremy Swayman.

If the Bruins hope to have any chance of being a playoff team in 2025-26, they are going to need Swayman to have a significant bounce-back season. After signing his massive eight-year, $66 million contract at the start of the campaign, Swayman had struggled in his first season as Boston's true No. 1 goalie. In 58 games, he had a 22-29-7 record, a .892 save percentage, and a 3.11 goals-against average.

While Swayman's numbers from last season were certainly rough, he very well could turn things around with a clean slate heading into 2025-26. During his first four seasons with the Bruins, he was very good, as he had a .914 save percentage or better in each campaign. This included just back in 2023-24, as he had a 25-10-8 record, a .916 save percentage, and a 2.53 goals-against average. He also won the William M. Jennings Trophy with Linus Ullmark in 2022-23. 

With all of this, there is no question that Swayman has the potential to be an impactful goaltender when playing at his best. If the Bruins hope to make a push for the playoffs, they will need him to regain his star form. If he does not and has another disappointing season, it would be bad news for a Bruins club that needs all the help it can get.

Thus, there is no question that Swayman is the Bruins' biggest X-factor heading into next season.

4 Fascinating Bruins Prospects Who Deserve More Attention The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a> have some notable prospects in their system, like Fraser Minten, Matthew Poitras, Fabian Lysell, and Dans Locmelis. However, they also have some other prospects who need to be watched incredibly closely next season.

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