Jeremy Swayman (© Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)
The 2024-25 season was a nightmare for the Boston Bruins. After entering the campaign with high expectations, they finished the season at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings with a 33-39-10 record and missed the playoffs.
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If the Bruins hope to turn things around in 2025-26, they are going to need some of their key players to bounce back. Let's look at three specific players who will aim to do that now.
Jeremy Swayman
Swayman's first season as the Bruins' full-time No. 1 goalie could not have gone worse. After signing an eight-year, $66 million contract right at the beginning of the season, he finished the year with a 22-29-7 record, a 3.11 goals-against average, and a .911 save percentage.
These numbers were simply not good enough for Swayman, and he will now look to regain his star form in 2025-26 from here. In his three previous seasons, he had a .914 save percentage or better, so there is reason to believe he can turn things around.
Elias Lindholm
After landing a seven-year, $54.25 million contract with the Bruins this past off-season, the expectation was that Lindholm would be the first-line center Boston desperately needed. However, Lindholm had his struggles in his first year as a Bruin, posting 17 goals, 47 points, and a minus-4 rating in 82 contests.
These numbers are not necessarily bad, but it was undoubtedly an underwhelming offensive season from Lindholm at his cap hit. However, he also finished the season with four goals, nine points, and a plus-11 rating in his final seven games. Perhaps this is a sign of what's to come next season. He also had 64 points in 80 games with the Calgary Flames just back in 2022-23.
Casey Mittelstadt
Heading into this season, Mittelstadt recorded back-to-back seasons with at least 57 points. However, this season was a tough one for the 26-year-old forward, as he had 15 goals, 40 points, and a minus-29 rating in 81 games split between the Colorado Avalanche and Bruins.
Mittelstadt struggled after being acquired by Boston, recording four goals, two assists, and an ugly minus-17 rating in 18 games. The 2017 eighth-overall pick will now look to get his offense back up next season with Boston. When playing at his best, he can be a solid second-line forward, which he showed during his time with the Buffalo Sabres, especially.
