Bruins at the Crossroads: The 2025 NHL Trade Deadline Approaches
The 2025 NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Boston Bruins find themselves in a precarious position. Despite a disappointing season, they are just one point away from securing a wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. General Manager Don Sweeney faces a crucial decision: should he trade veterans and upcoming free agents who may not fit into the team’s long-term plans, or should he hold onto them and hope for a late-season surge? Regardless of the moves Sweeney makes, the Bruins’ best chance for a strong finish lies not in external additions but in internal improvement, particularly from one of their most expensive players, Elias Lindholm.
Lindholm: The Bruins’ Costly Disappointment
When the Bruins signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract last July, they had high hopes. Lindholm, a Swedish center, was expected to be a two-way forward capable of excelling in all situations, though perhaps not at Patrice Bergeron’s level. The Bruins hoped that his declining offensive production, especially in the past few seasons, was just a temporary blip. However, Lindholm has failed to meet expectations. Instead of performing as a top-six center, he is playing more like a third-line pivot, a significant issue given his $7.75 million annual salary.
Sweeney’s Perspective: Room for Improvement
At a recent press conference, Sweeney acknowledged Lindholm’s challenges. He noted that Lindholm started the season less than 100% healthy and struggled to find continuity with different linemates. However, Sweeney also pointed out that Lindholm has settled into a more defensive role, which has allowed other players like Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak to focus more on offense. Despite this, Lindholm’s offensive production is a cause for concern. Currently, he is on pace to tally just 42.4 points, slightly below the 44 he scored in his last season with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. Sweeney expressed mutual disappointment with Lindholm’s performance but emphasized his commitment to improving.
Recent Signs of Improvement
Lindholm has shown some recent signs of improvement, with six points (three goals, three assists) in his last seven games, including a goal in Saturday’s overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks. This uptick in performance is encouraging, but the Bruins need it to be more than just a brief run. For the team to make a meaningful push for the playoffs, Lindholm must sustain this level of play and potentially elevate it further.
The Bruins’ Offense: A Key Area of Concern
The Bruins’ lack of offensive firepower is a significant issue. They rank 24th in the NHL in goals scored, averaging just 2.47 goals per game. Their power play is even worse, sitting at 30th with a 14.8% success rate. They also rank 24th in shots on net per game, with just 27.2 shots. This lack of offensive consistency is problematic because the Bruins are no longer playing elite defense or getting Vezina-level goaltending, as they did in recent seasons. For the Bruins to turn their season around, they need to improve their offense, and Lindholm must play a crucial role in this transformation.
The Importance of Lindholm’s Performance
While the Bruins may explore trade options at the deadline, the most significant impact could come from internal improvements, especially from Lindholm. He has the ability to elevate his linemates and reduce the scoring burden on players like David Pastrnak. Lindholm’s 1.02 assists per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 play this season is the lowest of his career, according to Natural Stat Trick. The Bruins need someone to step up and contribute more offensively. Lindholm doesn’t need to be a point-per-game player, but he must produce more than 50 points in a full season. The Bruins did not adequately prepare for the post-Bergeron and post-David Krejci era at center, and with limited cap space and a lack of high-value trade assets, they may struggle to find a suitable replacement. Therefore, it is crucial for Lindholm to play to the level of his contract and show the improvement the Bruins desperately need.
