As the Boston Bruins head into the Christmas break, they find themselves with a 19-13-4 record, having shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks. Their last game before the holiday saw them defeat the high-flying Washington Capitals, adding another win to their ledger. Although the team is trending in the right direction, there is one glaring issue that the Bruins must address if they want to solidify their position as a true Stanley Cup contender—acquiring an additional top-six forward before the 2025 NHL trade deadline.
The Bruins have had a season full of ups and downs. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has often been their downfall. One area where they have struggled this season is offensive production. While their defense and goaltending have largely been solid, the offense has been inconsistent, and much of the responsibility for the team’s struggles has been placed on the lack of scoring depth. A key issue for the Bruins has been their inability to find a proper replacement for Jake DeBrusk, who was sidelined earlier in the season due to injury. While some players have stepped up in his absence, it has become clear that the team needs more firepower if they are going to compete at the highest level.
With DeBrusk’s absence, the Bruins have struggled to maintain offensive pressure, especially when it comes to generating consistent top-six production. DeBrusk, when healthy, provides the Bruins with a scoring threat on the wing and brings a much-needed level of speed and energy to the lineup. Without him, the Bruins’ forward group has lacked a certain dynamic, which has made it difficult to compete with some of the high-powered offenses around the league. While some of the team’s young players have shown promise, there’s still a gap in their top-six forward group that needs to be filled.
As a result, the Bruins are in a position where they must look to the trade market to find a suitable replacement. The trade deadline is fast approaching, and if the Bruins want to make a serious push for the playoffs, they need to find a top-six forward who can immediately make an impact. A trade for a forward with the ability to provide secondary scoring would not only strengthen the team’s offensive depth but also create competition within the lineup, pushing other players to elevate their performance.
The Bruins’ need for a top-six forward has been evident all season, especially when you look at the struggles of some of their higher-profile forwards. While players like David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand have been performing at a high level, the rest of the forward group has been somewhat inconsistent. The Bruins have been missing the type of scoring depth that teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs have, which has allowed those teams to remain competitive even during stretches when their star players aren’t at their best. The addition of another top-six forward could give the Bruins the offensive depth they need to make a deep playoff run.
There are also concerns regarding the long-term future of the Bruins’ forward group. While the team has several key players signed for the next few seasons, there are aging veterans and expiring contracts to consider. Players like Marchand and Patrice Bergeron, both of whom have been integral to the team’s success, are getting up in age, and while they’re still elite players, it’s unclear how long they will remain at their current level of play. Adding a young, impactful forward to the mix not only helps in the short term but could also provide the team with a future building block.
From a financial perspective, the Bruins also have the flexibility to make a move. They have significant cap space available to take on a sizable contract, making it possible for them to acquire a high-quality player without disrupting the balance of their roster. However, the challenge will be finding the right player who fits within their salary structure and who can provide the immediate impact that the team needs.
There are a number of players on the trade market who could help fill the Bruins’ need for a top-six forward. Players like Vladimir Tarasenko of the St. Louis Blues, Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks, or even a potential move for a younger player with top-six potential could all make sense for the Bruins. The team will need to evaluate their options carefully and make sure they’re acquiring a player who can contribute immediately and fit seamlessly into their system.
The bottom line is that the Bruins have shown improvement this season, but they still have one big wish on their holiday shopping list—a top-six forward. If they can make a move to acquire the right player, it could be the difference-maker for the team’s playoff hopes. While the season has been far from perfect, the potential for the Bruins to become a true contender is still very much alive. With the right moves, the Bruins can strengthen their roster and position themselves for a deep playoff run. The next step will be identifying and acquiring the forward who can help them achieve that goal.
