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Bruins Eye 2025 NHL Draft Amid Playoff Drought
Don Sweeney and the Bruins have plenty of work to do this summer. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
The Boston Bruins, facing a near-certain playoff miss, are shifting thier focus toward the future and the 2025 NHL Draft. With a current standing that gives them a 6.5% chance at the No.1 pick, the team’s recent struggles could pave the way for a high-impact addition to their roster.
Boston’s playoff hopes are all but extinguished, sitting six points out of a wild-card spot in the eastern Conference with only 10 games remaining. According to moneypuck, the Bruins have a 0% chance of making the postseason. Their current points percentage (.479) is closer to the bottom-dwelling Buffalo Sabres than to the Montreal Canadiens, who currently hold the final playoff spot.
Re-Tooling and Evaluating Talent
The Bruins’ efforts to retool their roster are underway, with the final games of the season serving as an opportunity to evaluate recent acquisitions and younger players.Deadline additions like Marat Khusnutdinov and Casey Mittelstadt are being assessed for their potential contributions next season, while prospects like Fabian Lysell are getting a chance to prove they can handle larger roles.
Draft Lottery a Silver Lining?
The team’s struggles could yield a significant payoff in the form of a high draft pick. Currently tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the seventh-worst points percentage in the league, the Bruins have a legitimate shot at a top-10 pick. Here’s a breakdown of their odds, per Tankathon, if the season ended today:
- No. 1 pick: 6.5%
- No. 2 pick: 6.7%
- No. 3 pick: 0.2%
- No.7 pick: 44.4%
- No. 8 pick: 36.5%
- No. 9 pick: 5.6%
History shows that teams can substantially improve their draft position through the lottery. For example, the New York Rangers won the chance to draft first overall in 2020 despite finishing 18th overall. The Chicago Blackhawks jumped to first overall in 2007 and 2023 to select Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard, respectively.
Potential Draft Targets
if the Bruins land a top-three pick,they could have their choice of elite talents like Michael Misa or James hagens.Even if they settle in the 5-7 range, promising prospects such as Caleb Desnoyers, Anton Frondell, Jake O’Brien, or roger McQueen could be available.
Looking Ahead
While the remainder of the season may be challenging for Bruins fans, the potential for a high draft pick offers a glimmer of hope for the future. As Don Sweeney and the Bruins’ management work to rebuild the roster, a top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft would be a valuable asset in their efforts to build a new foundation.
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How do the Bruins’ current roster and player advancement plans factor into their 2025 draft strategy?
Bruins Eye 2025 NHL Draft Amid Playoff Drought: Q&A
Q: why are the Boston Bruins focusing on the 2025 NHL Draft?
A: The Bruins are facing a likely playoff miss this season. They are shifting their attention to the future and the 2025 NHL Draft as their current struggles could help them land a high draft pick, possibly adding a key player to their roster. Their chances of making the playoffs are slim.
Q: What are the Bruins’ chances of getting a top pick in the draft?
A: Currently, the Bruins have a 6.5% chance at the No. 1 pick. They also have a 6.7% chance at the No. 2 pick. They are tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the seventh-worst points percentage in the league, giving them a solid shot at a top-10 pick.
Q: How is the team evaluating players during the remaining games?
A: The final games of the season are being used to assess recent acquisitions like Marat Khusnutdinov and Casey Mittelstadt. They’re also providing opportunities for younger players and prospects, such as Fabian Lysell, to take on larger roles and prove their worth.
Q: What are some potential benefits of a high draft pick?
A: A high draft pick could allow the Bruins to select elite talents like Michael Misa or James Hagens. Even if they pick in the 5-7 range, promising prospects like Caleb desnoyers, Anton Frondell, Jake O’Brien, or Roger McQueen could be available. Historically, teams have significantly improved their future through the draft lottery, as seen with the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks.
Q: Who is Don Sweeney?
A: Don Sweeney is the General Manager of the Boston Bruins, tasked with rebuilding the roster and positioning the team for future success.
Q: What does “retooling” mean in this context?
A: “Retooling” refers to making strategic changes to the team’s roster, such as acquiring new players and developing younger talent, rather than a complete rebuild.
Q: What’s the mood around the Bruins right now?
A: While fans are likely disappointed with the current season, the potential for a high draft pick provides a glimmer of hope for the future. The team’s management is focused on building a new foundation for the franchise.
With the 2025 NHL draft on the horizon, the Bruins’ focus is now on building a stronger future, one valuable pick at a time.
