By: Ellie Man | Follow me on Twitter/X @ellieyym
The 2025-26 season was a positive turnaround for the Boston Bruins. What was expected to be a slow year turned into a success as the team made the playoffs and posted a 100-point season.
With the realization that the team could skip the painful process of a full rebuild, the Bruins have found a middle ground between developing for the future and competing in the present. In the midst of a retool, last night’s game against the Utah Mammoth proved that the next chapter in Boston is already underway.
James Hagens
19-year-old James Hagens currently ranks second among the Bruins in points, having notched three in five games (2G, 1A). This includes a game-winning goal as the lone shootout scorer against the Winnipeg Jets, and an assist to Casey Mittelstadt versus the Mammoth, which got Boston on the board.
This development is exactly as hoped for, with Hagens showing adaptation to the pace and physicality of the elite level. During this year’s shortened training camp, coach Marco Sturm stated that Hagens would need to earn his role while still being given the support required to grow and succeed. Regardless of initial backlash, the plan seems to be working.
Hagens is playing as the third line’s right wing and is already contributing to the team’s offensive output. As the forward continues to increase his experience and grow his skills all at once, there’s no saying what heights he will reach.
Frederic Brunet
23-year-old Frederic Brunet is making the most of his time with the big club, helping to fill in for Charlie McAvoy, who remains on his six-game suspension. With two games now under his belt, Brunet has achieved his first National Hockey League point with an assist on David Pastrňák’s goal. This helped the captain to re-find his scoring touch, later adding another power-play goal in the second period to extend the Bruins’ lead over the Mammoth.
Brunet previously made his league debut in April 2025, but went without a point against the New Jersey Devils. Having spent three seasons developing with Providence, it appears that the 6’3”, 203-pound defenseman has taken the right steps towards establishing himself at the next level.
Reflecting on the win, Sturm praised the Quebecois’ “great game,” and Pastrňák only piled on. He celebrated Brunet for making “a heck of a play on my goal. Beat two guys with a nice move and pass.” The captain further went on to highlight the role of the veteran players in helping to “give [their young talent] as much experience as we can, so they can elevate their game every single day. They’re great kids and great hockey players. So we need to make sure we help them and keep getting better.”
Mason Lohrei
Mason Lohrei has been the subject of much debate. The Bruins’ defense saw costly lapses last year, forcing heavy reliance instead on their goaltenders. Lohrei’s decision-making in particular was put under the spotlight for falling short in the face of the league’s demands. However, the 25-year-old is still determined to show that he has more to give.
Taking part in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship for the last two years has allowed Lohrei to gain greater experience and develop his all-round game against international competition. This has given him a better platform to build on, supporting him in increasing his early-season points tally. The Louisiana native scored a goal against the Mammoth, adding to his two assists.
What the Bruins now need from the defenseman is greater consistency and reliability. If he can turn his flashes of potential into a more complete and dependable style of play, the logjam in Boston’s blue line could present a trickier question yet.
Matthew Poitras
Similarly, there’s been much talk about Matt Poitras’ contract as of late – some want him traded to make room for other talent, while others believe that he deserves a longer opportunity in the National Hockey League. According to insider Elliotte Freeman, the Edmonton Oilers has shown interest in the 22-year-old, seeking a depth forward for a depth defenseman. This has only led to greater argument.
Taking an injury at the tail end of this year’s training camp didn’t help his chances of securing a regular spot on the roster as he was placed on injured reserve. But now back on the ice and eager to prove his value, Poitras has made a quick impact.
Adding to the night’s success, the Ontario-born player achieved the sixth and final goal against the Mammoth, doubling his points total with an earlier assist on Lohrei’s wrist shot. His determination to contribute proved decisive, staying out throughout the game despite taking a puck to the face in the first period and needing five stitches during intermission.
Naturally, there remains an air of uncertainty around a team’s retool, but the Boston Bruins are showing signs of progress. This trend of giving younger players extended looks proves that the Bruins are committed to developing their next generation.
By trusting their potential and demonstrating willingness to deal with the growing pains of the process, the organization’s approach has allowed their talent to develop their game in real time. With veteran leadership guiding the next wave while remaining ambitious in their own right, Boston’s future is already taking shape.
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