With 17 games remaining in the 2024-25 season, the Boston Bruins still have plenty to fight for. Currently, they are just two points away from the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, though they must overcome several teams to get there. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Bruins found a way to sneak into the playoffs, given their knack for pulling off unexpected feats.
Regardless of whether they make the postseason, the final games of the season are crucial for many players, especially those fighting for a spot on the roster for next year. Several newly acquired players will be under intense scrutiny as the team faces tough decisions on who stays and who goes. Here are three players acquired at the trade deadline who are trying to make an impression for the future.
Marat Khusnutdinov is one of the young players looking to make an impact. As part of the Justin Brazeau trade with the Minnesota Wild, Khusnutdinov had a strong debut with the Bruins, playing an aggressive forechecking game in his first matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 13:15 of ice time, the 22-year-old forward showed promise, contributing two goals and seven points so far. His 44% faceoff win rate and competitive edge make him a player to watch, especially as he competes for a spot with the Providence Bruins in the AHL.
Henri Jokiharju, an underrated addition from the Buffalo Sabres, also has much to prove. The defenseman, who had requested a trade from Buffalo, played 18:38 minutes in his first Bruins game against Tampa Bay. This season, he had three goals and three assists in 43 games with the Sabres. After signing a one-year, $3.1 million deal with Buffalo, Jokiharju had his best season last year with 20 points and a plus-14 rating. With the Bruins looking to solidify their defense for next season, Jokiharju could be a valuable asset, potentially carving out a bottom-pairing role on the right side.
Henri Jokiharju
Finally, Jakub Lauko, a familiar face to Bruins fans, is another player vying for a spot. Known for his gritty, disruptive play, Lauko is a 24-year-old forward who was reacquired from the Wild after a previous summer trade. Boston’s decision to bring him back suggests they see him as part of their future. Like Khusnutdinov, Lauko could secure a fourth-line spot for next season with a strong finish to the current campaign, without blocking the progress of top prospects in the top nine.
As the season winds down, these players have a chance to make their mark and potentially earn a long-term spot on the Bruins roster. The pressure is on, and all eyes will be on how they perform in the final stretch.
Leave a Reply