Bruins review: Sizing up underperforming roster ahead of daunting playoff push

Boston Globe

20-02-2025

Brad Marchand:
He may not be a top-five winger these days, but the 36-year-old captain is still on pace for 29 goals while remaining one of the better spark plugs in the game. That profile — coupled with his Stanley Cup pedigree — would make him a coveted asset at the trade deadline.
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Elias Lindholm:
The Bruins handed Lindholm a seven-year, $54.25 million contract in July to slot in as the top-line pivot. But to this point, he looks more like a defensive-minded 3C. The initial hope that he'd become a 60-point player while stapled next to Pastrnak fizzled quickly, with the 30-year-old on pace for 14 goals and 42 points.
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Morgan Geekie:
After tallying one goal over his first 15 games, Geekie found new life on a line next to Pastrnak — lighting the lamp 16 times over his last 34 games. Geekie's age (26), versatility, and contract status as a pending restricted free agent would make him an appealing player to keep. But his trade value might also be at its peak.
Pavel Zacha:
Zacha seems to be at his best when slotting in at center next to Pastrnak. He's flirting with a third-straight season with 50-plus points, although the offensive ceiling of a top line centered by Zacha might be limited —
Matt Poitras:
An extended stint in Providence seems to have done Poitras some good, as the 20-year-old recorded seven assists over 12 games since returning to the NHL. He still needs to pack on some muscle if he wants to develop into a legitimate top-six pivot, but the poise with the puck is hard to ignore.
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Trent Frederic:
When he's on his game, Frederic thrives as a steady middle-six scorer happy with doling out punishment after the whistle. Unfortunately, those performances have been few and far between for the pending free agent — with Frederic on pace for just 22 points. He might be the most likely trade candidate on the roster.
Charlie Coyle:
A year removed from a career-best 25 goals and 60 points, the Weymouth native is on pace for just 19 tallies and 29 points. The 32-year-old's standing as a puck-possession center with a versatile skill set could make him an intriguing trade chip.
Mark Kastelic:
One of the few lineup regulars who has exceeded expectations, Kastelic has been a spark whenever he hops over the boards. The Bruins were wise to sign him to a three-year extension in January, with the 25-year-old ranking 10th in the NHL in hits (184) while winning 56.3 percent of his faceoffs.
Justin Brazeau:
After a hot start, Brazeau has cooled off significantly with just one goal and three points in his last 16 games. His size (6 feet 6 inches) and touch around the net could make the pending UFA a trade target.
Cole Koepke:
Koepke looked like he wrapped up the Seventh Player Award in October after scoring three goals and seven points over his first nine games. Since then, he has five points in his last 40 games. Still holds value as a fleet-footed, straight-line skater on a checking unit.
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Johnny Beecher:
There's no knocking Beecher's skating ability or faceoff skills (55 percent). But the 23-year-old still has work to do to unearth more offense (three goals in 55 games).
Oliver Wahlstrom:
The Bruins'
hopes of Wahlstrom finding his offensive footing haven't panned out, with the waiver pickup limited to one goal and one assist over 15 games.
Defensemen
Charlie McAvoy:
Few NHL blue liners can mimic McAvoy's game as a puck-moving presence who can shift momentum by way of a bone-crunching check.
Mason Lohrei:
Amid the expected growing pains in the defensive zone,Lohrei has had solid stretches as a playmaker in his first full NHL season — leading Bruins blue liners in assists (20). He could use more reps on the power play, as he ranks first on the team
Hampus Lindholm:
Lindholm was arguably Boston's most impactful skater at the time he was struck by a puck off the knee Nov. 12. The 31-year-old's veteran's return would provide a lift to a
Brandon Carlo:
It hasn't been the strongest season for the respected veteran. Lindholm's return should help steady Carlo, although the 28-year-old could also be regarded as a trade chip as a right-shot, second-pairing regular signed for another two seasons.
Nikita Zadorov:
The good? Zadorov is a punishing presence who is happy to agitate and antagonize opponents. The bad? Those antics have put him in the penalty boxfar too often (league-high 117 minutes), while he's prone to miscues that often end with pucks sailing past Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo.
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Parker Wotherspoon:
Wotherspoon has developed into a useful asset as a steady depth defenseman who can slot into the third pair when needed. Plays a lot larger than his 6-1, 192-pound frame might indicate.
Andrew Peeke:
Peeke has been as advertised as a solid third-pairing D who can land a few hits and eliminate scoring chances. His value tends to wane if handed heavier minutes, but Peeke fits the mold of what teams are looking for further down the depth chart.
Jordan Oesterle:
Pressed into service following injuries to key cogs, the 32-year-old isn't flashy, but moves his feet and doesn't put himself in bad spots with the puck. Could be in line for more reps, given McAvoy's status.
Goaltenders
Jeremy Swayman:
An offseason rife with drama seemed to throw Swayman off his game early.
Joonas Korpisalo:
Despite his seemingly pedestrian stat line (.892 save percentage), Korpisalo has been a solid backup — recording three shutouts in 19 starts.
Conor Ryan can be reached at