Bruins after dark

The Boston Bruins wrapped their 2024 campaign in unfamiliar territory — on the outside of the playoff picture.

Finishing with a 33-39-10 record and missing the postseason for the first time since 2015, it’s clear that frustration is boiling over inside the locker room.

And according to some key voices, the front office can’t afford to sit back.

While part of the team’s slide was pinned on inconsistent goaltending from Jeremy Swayman, the Bruins were also ravaged by major injuries to top defensemen.

Hampus Lindholm missed most of the year with a fractured patella, while Charlie McAvoy dealt with a staph infection and a serious AC joint injury.

In total, the duo missed 97 games — a gap that proved impossible to cover.

As players cleared out their lockers following an overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils, the tone shifted from disappointment to determination.

The core — built around stars like David Pastrnak, Lindholm, and McAvoy — believes they still have what it takes to compete.

But that core wants help.

I mean, what — are they going to be wasting (David Pastrnak) Pasta’s years?

Nikita Zadorov asked pointedly.

I don’t have many years left. Both Lindys [Hampus and Elias Lindholm], C-Mac [Charlie McAvoy]… so obviously, it’s win or nothing in here.

Zadorov’s comments cut through the noise and made something else crystal clear.

Boston’s window is open, and the team knows it.

The message to general manager Don Sweeney was loud and clear: bring in reinforcements.

Historically, Boston hasn’t had trouble attracting top-tier free agents.

As an Original Six franchise with a reputation for gritty, high-scoring hockey and a loyal fanbase, it’s long been seen as a premier NHL destination.

But now, it’s about landing the right pieces to complement what’s already in place.

Zadorov, in a moment that felt more like a recruiting pitch than a press conference, made his case:

Why would they not want to come here?

he said.

It’s a great city to play in.

We have one of the best players in the world (Pastrnak). One of the best goalies in the world.

Two really good defensemen who were out pretty much the whole year. We have all the pieces for the future.

…And that was a clear message today.

So I think… it’s going to be an exciting summer, and it’s going to be exciting for us to see our new teammates, whoever is going to come and join us.

The Bruins may have stumbled in 2024, but the tone inside the locker room says they’re far from done.

With a healthy core, cap flexibility, and renewed urgency, expect this offseason to be one of the most aggressive in Boston’s recent memory.