The 2024-25 NHL regular season has concluded, leading to an offseason of reflection for nine eliminated teams. Each team will evaluate their performance, assessing failures and successes while strategizing for free agency, trades, and the upcoming draft.

The New Jersey Devils showed resilience despite injuries and the absence of star Jack Hughes, bolstered by strong performances from Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. In contrast, the Columbus Blue Jackets made strides but struggled with goaltending and injuries. The Calgary Flames improved their identity but faced offensive challenges, while the Anaheim Ducks' youth showed promise, highlighted by Luka Dostal's goaltending.

Other teams like the Boston Bruins embraced a rebuild, trading assets for future potential but suffered a disappointing season. The Buffalo Sabres are desperate to snap their long playoff drought, while the Chicago Blackhawks are rebuilding around young talent. The Detroit Red Wings are seeking consistency to end their playoff absence, while the Nashville Predators and New York Islanders need to reassess their roster dynamics in preparation for a more competitive future.

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.

The Boston Bruins are preparing for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, with fans eagerly awaiting the lottery announcement set for May 5. Following a challenging 2024-25 season, finishing with a 33-39-10 record, the Bruins will have the chance to secure a top pick, marking their best lottery opportunity since they drafted Tyler Seguin second overall in 2010.

With an 8.5% chance of winning the first overall pick and 8.6% for the second, the Bruins are in a favorable position compared to their peers. The San Jose Sharks lead the lottery with the highest odds at 25.5%. This draft is crucial for the Bruins, as they look to rebound from missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years. The team's general manager remains optimistic about the future.

Don Sweeney's decision to trade Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers was rooted in both professional necessity and personal sentiment. With Marchand set to become an unrestricted free agent, contract negotiations stalled, prompting Sweeney to make the hard choice for the betterment of both the player and the organization. This move provides Marchand the opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup, an ambition he fervently desires, especially after the Bruins missed the playoffs.

Sweeney reflected on his two-decade relationship with Marchand, emphasizing the difficulty of the trade while ensuring the captain's legacy in Boston remains untarnished. He expressed belief that Marchand will eventually be honored in the rafters of TD Garden and possibly the Hall of Fame due to his impactful contributions to the franchise.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are contemplating a potential trade for defenseman Ryan Graves, who has not met expectations during his tenure in Pittsburgh. Graves, with a cap hit of $4.5 million, spent significant time as a healthy scratch and averaged less ice time compared to previous seasons. Given his contract's longevity, any trade may require the Penguins to include additional assets or retain salary.

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins' goaltender Joonas Korpisalo is pushing for more starts, signaling a willingness to be traded if he cannot secure a starting role. The Bruins faced inquiries about Korpisalo during the trade deadline, reflecting interest from other teams.