By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
After a disastrous start to the 2024-25 National Hockey League season, that ultimately resulted in the firing of Head Coach Jim Montgomery, the Boston Bruins are figuring things out. The B’s have gotten at least a point in seven of their last ten games under Interim Head Coach Joe Sacco, and have shown signs of improvement, especially in their own end of the ice.
However, the team’s offense is still struggling. Boston’s 2.59 goals for per game is the sixth lowest in the league. There power play is operating at a miserable 12.7%, the second-worst in the NHL, ahead of only the New York Islanders. With Boston currently occupying the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 17-13-4 record, several questions must be answered both about the short and long-term.
What Happens with Trent Frederic?
With the NHL’s trade deadline only a few months away, focus league-wide begins to shift towards pending unrestricted free agents. According to multiple reports Bruins forward Trent Frederic has received a lot of interest league-wide, with some suggesting it will be difficult for Boston to reach a deal with the St. Louis native.
Frederic is capable of playing a solid, physical, two-way game, making him a potential trade chip. At the same time, he has been a solid contributor for the Bruins the past few seasons, and could be worth keeping around longer at the right price. Another factor in General Manager Don Sweeney’s decision making could be the play of Georgii Merkulov. Merkulov had a three game stint in Boston, where he recorded an assist against the St. Louis Blues, and has continued to score at a nearly point-per-game pace in the American Hockey League. The Ryazan, Russia native is in the final year of his entry-level contract, and Boston may need to see what they have in the young forward before making a decision.
Is Oliver Wahlstrom a Long-Term Fit?
Oliver Wahlstrom made his Bruins debut Thursday night in Edmonton, and despite Boston falling 3-2 in Overtime, he made a solid first impression. Skating alongside Frederic and fellow New Englander Charlie Coyle, Wahlstrom’s line created six high-danger scoring chances against the Oilers, allowing zero in their own end. While one game is an incredibly small sample size, the Portland, Maine, native showed flashes of what he could offer the Bruins.
With Boston placing Tyler Johnson on unconditional waivers Thursday, and reducing their forward group to 13, it might mean Wahlstrom could get a longer look to showcase his talents. The 11th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Wahlstrom has the talent required to be an everyday contributor at the NHL level. If he’s able to find consistency, Wahlstrom shouldn’t have an issue sticking around with his favorite team.
Where Will Matt Poitras Finish the Year?
Matt Poitras got off to a slow start in the AHL, registering only three points in his first seven games. After those early struggles, Poitras has rattled off 12 points in nine games, including a seven game goal scoring streak. While the Ajax, Ontario native started the season in the NHL, the Bruins made the decision to send Poitras to Providence for his development.
Now, over a month after sending Poitras to the P-Bruins, Boston may have another decision to make. If Boston continues to struggle offensively, and Poitras continues to dominate offensively in the AHL, he may find himself back in the NHL sooner rather than later.
Will Marc McLaughlin Stick Around?
Of the decisions to be made for Boston’s management, this one is perhaps the most imminent. McLaughlin is one game away from reaching the ten game threshold that would take away his waiver exempt status. Last season saw the Bruins face a similar situation with Anthony Richard, who they sent back to the AHL. Richard did not play again for Boston after the trade acquisition of Pat Maroon.
McLaughlin, a Billerica native, has two goals in his last three games, and factored in on Mark Kastelic’s goal against the Oilers despite not registering an assist on the play. He has made a strong case for himself to remain in the NHL, but will it be enough?
Leave a Reply