With just two more sleeps until opening night, the Boston Bruins announced who will be donning the Spoked-B when they take on the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Oct. 8.
Here is the official list of the 14 forwards, seven defenseman and two goaltenders the Bruins will begin the 2025-26 season with, per the team.
Forwards: Viktor Arvidsson, Johnny Beecher, Michael Eyssimont, Morgan Geekie, Tanner Jeannot, Mark Kastelic, Marat Khusnutdinov, Sean Kuraly, Elias Lindholm, Fraser Minten, Casey Mittelstadt, David Pastrnak, Jeffery Viel, Pavel Zacha
Defensemen: Jordan Harris, Henri Jokiharju, Hampus Lindholm, Mason Lohrei, Charlie McAvoy, Andrew Peeke, Nikita Zadorov
Goaltenders: Joonas Korpisalo, Jeremy Swayman
Here is how we envision the four lines shaking out:
Morgan Geekie — Elias Lindholm — David Pastrnak
Pavel Zacha — Casey Mittelstadt — Viktor Arvidsson
Tanner Jeannot — Fraser Minten — Mikey Eyssimont
Marat Khusnutdinov — Sean Kuraly — Mark Kastelic
Extra forwards: Johnny Beecher, Jeffrey Viel
As far as the lines, the top line shouldn’t be a shock to anyone.
After the trade deadline on March 7, the Geekie-Lindholm-Pastrnak line outscored opponents, 16-2 while logging 78 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time, per Natural Stat Trick.
Pastrnak led the Bruins with 106 points (43 goals and 63 assists) and Geekie had a breakout season, potting 33 goals and adding 24 helpers across 77 games. Lindholm, on the other hand, struggled through the beginning part of the season with an undisclosed back injury, but bounced back after a strong showing in the 4 Nations Face Off tournament. He tallied six goals and nine assists in the final 16 games of the season, and finished third on the team in scoring with 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points.
His play down the stretch has carried over into his 2025 IIHF World Championship performance.
His vision and timing were dialed in, and he reminded everyone exactly why Boston went out and got him in the first place.
Pavel Zacha has proved to be invaluable down the middle or on the wing. But, his offense seems to be a bit more free on the wing, so we have him on the left of Casey Mittelstadt with Viktor Arvidsson on the flank.
As far as the remaining lines, we expect new head coach Marco Sturm to infuse some youth with the veterans on the roster.
Here is how we envision the defensive pairings shaking out:
Mason Lohrei – Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm – Andrew Peeke
Nikita Zadorov – Henri Jokiharju
Extra defeseman: Harris
These pairings have been pretty consistent throughout camp and exhibition games, so we see no need to project anything else for now.
The biggest question is whether Mason Lohrei has improved enough to stick by Charlie McAvoy’s side. Last season, with both McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm sidelined, Lohrei saw a huge increase in minutes, as well as being on the ice in high-danger situations. He’s going to need to show he’s taken significant strides defensively, or Sturm may be forced to change things up.
As far as goaltending, we expect Jeremy Swayman to get the nod opening night. The only question is will Sturm give Swayman the home opener on Oct. 9 against the Chicago Blackhawks as well or give Joonas Korisalo the start?
The Black and Gold play three games in four days to start the season, so it’s anyone’s guess how Sturm and goalie coach Bob Essensa decide to divvy out the crease early on.
Puck drop from Capital One Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and will air on TNT and HBO Max. For a local call of the game, tune in to 98.5 The Sports Hub to hear Ryan Johnston and Bob Beers.
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