Bruins Count on Bounce‑Back Season from Key Forward to Salvage Next Campaign

   

The Boston Bruins are hoping to put together a far better season in 2025-26 than they did this past campaign. However, for this to have a real chance of occurring, they will need some of their key players to have bounce-back years.

Bruins Need Bounce-Back Season From Key Forward cover image

Casey Mittelstadt is undoubtedly among the Bruins who the Original Six club will be hoping can turn things around next season.

The 2024-25 season was a tough year for Mittelstadt, as he saw a notable dip in his offensive production. In 63 games with the Colorado Avalanche in 2024-25, he recorded 11 goals, 23 assists, 34 points, and a minus-12 rating. He then struggled more after being traded to the Bruins at the 2025 NHL trade deadline, as he ended the year with four goals, two assists, and a minus-17 rating in 18 games with Boston.

Overall, it is fair to say that Mittelstadt had a tough start to his Bruins tenure, but when looking at his previous seasons, it is clear that he has the potential to bounce back. Just back during the 2023-24 season, he recorded 18 goals, 39 assists, and 57 points in 80 games split between the Buffalo Sabres and Avalanche. This was after he posted 15 goals and set career highs with 44 assists and 59 points in 82 games with the Sabres in 2022-23. With numbers like these, it is apparent that Mittelstadt can be a solid offensive contributor. Now, his goal will be to heat back up with Boston.

It is going to be very interesting to see what kind of season Mittelstadt can put together in 2025-26. If he can get back to his past form, it would be great news for a Bruins team that needs serious help at center.