This offseason feels pivotal for the Boston Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney. After finishing in a tie for last place in the Eastern Conference with the Philadelphia Flyers, the disappointment of missing the playoffs is weighing heavily on both the organization and its fan base. To make matters worse, Sweeney made significant moves at the trade deadline, parting ways with several longtime franchise contributors.
Adding to the frustration, the Bruins ended up with the worst possible outcome in the NHL Draft Lottery, landing the seventh overall pick in next month’s NHL Entry Draft. While there will still be plenty of talented prospects available at that spot, expecting an immediate impact player for the 2025-26 season might be overly optimistic. Given Boston’s inconsistent draft record over the past decade, even getting the pick right is far from guaranteed.
What is certain is that roster changes are on the horizon. Whether through trades or free agency, Boston is poised to see both additions and departures in the coming months. But amid all the possible moves, Sweeney must avoid one major misstep—because in a critical offseason like this one, even a single mistake could set the franchise back even further.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney must avoid a crucial off-season mistake
Don Sweeney finds himself under immense pressure this offseason, and there’s concern that he might respond with a panic signing in free agency—a move that could prove costly for both the Boston Bruins and his own tenure as general manager. When decision-makers feel their seat heating up, it’s not uncommon for them to roll the dice on high-risk contracts. One such gamble would be making a massive offer to Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner.
There’s no certainty Marner will even reach the open market, as Toronto may try to re-sign him. But his future with the Leafs is murky, especially after a disappointing postseason showing that left fans frustrated—highlighted by a critical turnover in Game 5 of the playoffs that led to a key Florida Panthers goal. If he does become available, the Bruins would likely show strong interest, but they should tread carefully.
Projections have Marner potentially commanding an average annual value around \$13 million on a seven-year deal, according to Daily Faceoff. That’s a steep price for a player with an underwhelming playoff track record, despite being a consistent regular-season performer—he notched 27 goals and 75 assists in 81 games this season. While his overall talent is undeniable, the postseason questions linger, and the Bruins can’t afford to tie up cap space in another risky long-term deal alongside Elias Lindholm’s big contract.
Boston clearly needs to bolster its forward group, and Sweeney will have the cap flexibility to pursue key upgrades. But going all-in on Marner as a desperate move to save his job could backfire in a big way. The Bruins need smart, sustainable additions—not a flashy overpay that could weigh them down for years to come.