Once again, the Boston Bruins look like one of the top Eastern Conference clubs heading into the 2024–25 season. While they suffered some notable losses this offseason, they also brought in some new players that should strengthen their roster.
When looking at their roster, they have a few players who could challenge for awards next season. Let’s discuss three of them now.
David Pastrnak, Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy
David Pastrnak is a clear candidate for the Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy, given annually to the NHL’s leading scorer. No. 88 already has one on his resume, as he won the trophy in 2019-20, along with Alex Ovechkin. He also posted 61 goals back in 2022–23 but lost to superstar Connor McDavid, who had 64.
Pastrnak has been one of the game’s most dominant scorers for several seasons now, so he is an easy candidate for the Rocket Richard Trophy if he stays healthy. Over the last two seasons alone, he has 108 goals combined.
Jeremy Swayman, Vezina Trophy
Bruins star goaltender Jeremy Swayman certainly has the potential to win the Vezina Trophy. The Anchorage, Alaska, native has been excellent over the last few seasons and now has the chance to be the Bruins’ true No. 1 goalie because of it. If he thrives in the role, he could be in the hunt for the Vezina this year.
Swayman is also coming off a magnificent postseason, recording a .933 SV% and a 2.15 GAA. If he replicates this kind of play next season, the 25-year-old could be in a big year. He first needs to get his new contract done, of course.
Elias Lindholm, Frank J. Selke Trophy
The Bruins targeted Elias Lindholm for multiple years before finally signing him in free agency this summer. The 29-year-old is coming off a down year, recording 15 goals and 44 points in 75 contests. However, when noting that he is expected to be the Bruins’ first-line center and play with Pastrnak, he is a prime bounce-back candidate.
If he returns to his top form, he could make a case for himself for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, given to the NHL’s top two-way player. Lindholm was runner-up to Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron for the award just back in 2021–22. When playing at his best, Lindholm is a very impactful two-way forward, and it’s a primary reason why the Bruins were so interested in landing him. It will be intriguing to see if he can be just that for the B’s in 2024–25 and get back into the Selke discussion.
