BOSTON – Arguably one of the worst seasons in the post-expansion era for the Boston Bruins is officially over. 

Record-wise, yes, there have been worse, but nothing compares to 2024-25 (UPDATE RECORD) and everything that encapsulated this season. It started with restricted free-agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman’s contract holdout during training camp before he signed an eight-year deal worth $66 million only days before the regular season began. It didn’t help that the team started 8-9-3 before management fired coach Jim Montgomery and named assistant Joe Sacco as interim coach. 

Injuries to key players – Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm – had an obvious negative long-term effect. Newcomers – defenseman Nikita Zadorov and forward Elias Lindholm – seemed to never fully embrace the Bruins culture, and did not live up to expectations. Maybe that will change moving forward with an entire season of experience. Boston never won more than four consecutive games but endured a 10-game losing skid along the way. 

For the first time under Don Sweeney’s tenure as general manager, the team became sellers and not buyers at the trade deadline. It was a dark day for fans to watch captain Brad Marchand traded to the Panthers, along with Brandon Carlo to the Maple Leafs and Charlie Coyle to the Avalanche. The return, however, for all of Sweeney’s transactions could pay dividends soon, but it was still unlike any other trade deadline in recent history. 

For all the low points, there were a couple of positive aspects to this season. The Bruins concluded a year-long celebration Dec. 1, 2024, at TD Garden, recognizing and honoring the organization’s centennial. It was a fitting 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens exactly 100 years after Boston defeated the Montreal Maroons, 2-1, on Dec. 1, 1924. The Bruins’ year-long party was an impressive one. 

David Pastrnak’s performance both on the off the ice also stood out this season, especially after Marchand was traded. Many wondered if No. 88 had the leadership qualities to maybe one day wear the ‘C’ on his sweater. Well, he has handled this season, especially the last month with nothing but professionalism and integrity. He could have easily shut it down, but he’s been one of the best players in the NHL this season since Jan. 1 and has handled the team aspect as a true Bruins leader. 

He said recently he takes a lot of pride in conducting himself as a true Bruin, and no doubt he has earned the right to be named the organization’s next captain. 

“It’s sad it’s over, obviously,” Pastrnak said of the season. “That’s pretty much the only answer I can give you right now. It’s tough. We want to keep playing, I’ll leave it at that.” 

Morgan Geekie’s production (33 goals, 24 assists for 57 points) was quite the revelation this season. It’ll be important to see if the Bruins believe he can build on it and sign the 26-year-old to long-term deal this summer. 

Now that this nightmare season is over, what happens next for the Bruins? 

It’s evident Sweeney is already focusing on the future, and it starts with this year’s draft. The Bruins will be in a solid position for the draft lottery, which is a bit of a saving grace after such an ugly season. This draft has the potential to make a significant impact and Sweeney understands it. Free agency could produce a noteworthy signing, especially given the increased salary cap. 

Even though the organization does not like the term “rebuild” it’s about finding a balance between that and still contending for the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2025-26. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Bruins fix this mess, and it’s safe to say there will be no offseason for the organization this summer. 

 As members of the bull gang began to dismantle the glass, boards and ice, one worker could be heard saying: “The last day of school felt better than this.”