Boston, MA — For the first time in nearly a decade, the Boston Bruins are watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the couch — and the fallout from this disastrous season has left the franchise teetering on the brink. Now, with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the pressure to save the team’s future has never been greater.
The Collapse No One Saw Coming
It started with high expectations. The Bruins entered the 2024-25 season with a veteran core, strong goaltending, and one of the NHL’s most passionate fanbases behind them. But injuries, inconsistent play, and a lack of scoring depth torpedoed the campaign. The final blow? A brutal March losing streak that dropped them out of playoff contention entirely.
Gone is the 17-season playoff streak. Gone is the aura of invincibility at TD Garden. In its place? Uncertainty, frustration — and a massive decision looming.
The Gamble of the 7th Overall Pick
Boston’s consolation prize: the No. 7 pick in what’s widely considered a solid — but not franchise-altering — draft class. And that’s where things get tense. This pick has to hit. There’s no room for error.
With a shallow prospect pool and aging stars like Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle nearing the twilight of their careers, General Manager Don Sweeney is facing the most pivotal moment of his tenure. Miss on this pick, and the Bruins could spiral into years of mediocrity — or worse.
“This isn’t just about drafting a good player,” a source close to the team told us. “It’s about drafting the player — someone who can step in, grow fast, and carry this franchise into the future.”
Names to Watch
There’s no Connor Bedard in this year’s draft, but there are still potential stars. Among the players being linked to Boston at No. 7:
Tij Iginla (C, WHL): A power forward with NHL bloodlines and a nose for the net. Bruins fans are already buzzing about the fit.
Zayne Parekh (D, OHL): Elite offensive defenseman — think McAvoy’s potential power play partner for the next decade.
Berkly Catton (C, WHL): Dynamic, skilled, and speedy — a player who could bring energy and scoring to Boston’s sagging top six.
What’s at Stake
The Bruins don’t just need a good player. They need a cornerstone. This draft could define the next era of hockey in Boston. Sweeney’s job may well hinge on the outcome.
Miss again — as critics argue the team did with Fabian Lysell or John Beecher — and the Bruins may enter the dreaded “rebuild” word they’ve been avoiding for years.
But hit? Find the next Patrice Bergeron? That could change everything.
Desperation… or Destiny?
The 2025 NHL Draft isn’t just another offseason event for the Bruins. It’s the future — and it’s now. With the spotlight shining brighter than ever, the team must deliver.
Because if they don’t?
The next collapse won’t be a season. It’ll be a generation