With the Bruins struggling out the gate of the 2024-2025 season, it’s hard to believe that this team had the best regular season in NHL history only two seasons ago. Although they suffered a heart breaking first-round exit in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 2022-2023 Bruins had a historical regular season. They finished their 82 game slate with 65 wins and 135 points, earning them the Presidents’ Trophy.
Even though their historic season took place only two years ago, Boston’s roster looks completely different now. With many departures of key players, the 2024-2025 Bruins are far away from reaching that same success. They have managed to keep some top contributors such as David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Jeremy Swayman, or Brad Marchand but it seems as though they have lost a lot more than they’ve retained. With that being said, its time to look at some of the team’s departures and where they are now.
Patrice Bergeron– retired in 2023
As one of the greatest two-way players to ever lace up a pair of skates, Patrice Bergeron was the heart and soul of this Boston Bruins team. It’s always tough as a team to lose your captain, but it’s even tougher when your captain was a true leader that spent his entire career as a Bruin. After 19 seasons of wearing the Spoked-B, Bergeron’s retirement left Boston without a captain and first line center.
David Krejci– retired in 2023
Another locker room leader that spent his entire NHL career in Boston announced his retirement in 2023. Losing the 16 year veteran was another big blow to this Boston team. David Krejci was the second franchise center the Bruins would lose after their historical season.
Taylor Hall– Chicago Blackhawks
After three seasons as one of Boston’s top forwards, Hall was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023. Although the Bruins needed the cap space, losing one of your most productive forwards will impact your team’s offense. Hall was brought in by Chicago to mentor Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Taylor Hall is currently in his second season as a Blackhawk.
Jake DeBrusk– Vancouver Canucks
DeBrusk is another impactful forward to add to the list of players Boston has parted ways with. He had been with the Bruins since being drafted by them in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Although he tended to be inconsistent during his time in Boston, they could definitely use his help this year. Jake DeBrusk was traded to the Canucks in 2024.
Linus Ullmark– Ottawa Senators
Arguably one of the most crucial pieces of the Bruins success in 2022-2023, Ullmark established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL during his time in Boston. Having to split playing time with another top tier goalie like Jeremy Swayman left Boston having to make a decision. Linus Ullmark was traded to the Ottawa Senators in 2024 as the Bruins decided to extend Swayman.
Other notable losses for Boston since the 2022-2023 season include Tyler Bertuzzi, Nick Foligno, and Craig Smith.
All of these departures have left Boston very thin in their forwards depth chart. Their offense has yet to really break out this season and hasn’t had the same depth that it used to just two years ago. Losing a Vezina winning goaltender like Linus Ullmark proves to be another big blow as Jeremy Swayman hasn’t gotten off to a hot start this season.
With most of the season still left to play, the Bruins look to turn it around and keep their presence in the playoffs.
