The Boston Bruins are facing a pivotal offseason as they prepare for the 2025-26 season, with pressing decisions on both their captaincy and coaching staff. Following the trade of Brad Marchand, the team opted not to appoint a new captain last season, creating a leadership void. General Manager Don Sweeney highlighted the importance of reassessing the leadership group amidst significant player turnover in recent years. Key candidates for captaincy include David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy, both of whom have demonstrated leadership qualities as alternate captains.

Sweeney acknowledges the need for a strong leadership foundation to navigate the upcoming draft and renovation of the team's structure. The search for a new head coach is also underway, with interim coach Joe Sacco considered a candidate among others. The decisions made this offseason will be crucial for the Bruins as they aim to recapture their competitive edge in the NHL.

Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins revealed that he would have been ready to play had the Bruins made the playoffs, following recovery from a shoulder infection. However, he confirmed he will not participate in the World Championships. Elias Lindholm faced a lower back injury before training camp, impacting his early season performance. Mark Kastelic is sidelined with concussion issues, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate game appearances.

In injury news, Calgary Flames' Adam Klapka left a game with a lower-body injury, while Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks will be in a cast for three more weeks. The Columbus Blue Jackets' Dean Evason noted Zach Aston-Reese is nursing injuries. Good news for the Florida Panthers as all players are set to be available for Game 1 of the playoffs, while the New York Islanders are dealing with absences due to illness and injuries. The New Jersey Devils report positive steps for Jonas Siegenthaler, although he remains out for now.

David Pastrnak publicly praised Joe Sacco for his coaching during a challenging interim period for the Boston Bruins. Sacco stepped in after Jim Montgomery's firing and managed the team through the end of the season, showing resilience in a tough situation. Players like Jeremy Swayman and Pavel Zacha pondered their participation in the upcoming World Championships, and several players are dealing with injuries. Charlie McAvoy looks ahead to next season's leadership summit, aiming to establish a new team culture after losing several leaders. Nikita Zadorov reflected on his penalty issues, indicating improvement as the season progressed.

Boston Bruins' coach Joe Sacco confirmed that defenseman Charlie McAvoy and forward Mark Kastelic are both out for the season, which could significantly impact the team's playoff chances. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are dealing with Shayne Gostisbehere, who missed a recent game due to an upper-body injury. On the Columbus Blue Jackets front, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has also missed a game due to injury.

In New York, the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin is uncertain for the remainder of the season following a lower-body injury. However, fellow defenseman K’Andre Miller has returned to the Rangers' lineup after a brief absence due to illness. The Ottawa Senators’ Brady Tkachuk expects to soon resume skating, aiming for a timely return ahead of the playoffs.

The Penguins are facing a tough period, losing Tommy Novak, Blake Lizotte, Noel Acciari, Matt Nieto, and Rutger McGroarty for the season. Lastly, Jakob Chychrun of the Capitals was a late scratch due to illness, highlighting the ongoing injury challenges faced by teams as they approach critical late-season games.

The Boston Bruins have confirmed that defenseman Charlie McAvoy and forward Mark Kastelic will not return this season, following their injuries. Interim coach Joe Sacco announced the decision, stating that both players have made progress in their recoveries but lack adequate time to be cleared by medical staff. McAvoy, who had returned to practice on March 31, finishes the season with a disappointing 23 points in 50 games, his lowest output to date.

Kastelic, on the other hand, has been sidelined since March 20, concluding his first season with the Bruins with 14 points across 61 games. The Bruins are now officially out of playoff contention, with only three regular-season games remaining, starting with a matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks.