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.
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