3 Bold Predictions for the Boston Bruins' 2023-24 Season

Welcome to our new predictions series where we'll make three bold predictions for each NHL team next season. From individual point totals, big trades from GM's or Stanley Cup Playoff success, we'll cover it all as we dive into all 32 teams.

For today, let's head to bean town and focus in on the Boston Bruins. A team under major transition, Patrice Bergeron recently retired and now there's going to be a new leader in the dressing room. Change is inevitable and it's now time for the Bruins to go through it. Here's three bold predictions for next season in Boston:

Pavel Zacha Hits 80 Points

Zacha is the new number one center in Boston, as it stands right now, and if so, he'll be putting up career-best numbers in 2023-24. The Bruins are paper thin down the middle and will be leaning hard on the 26-year-old. Zacha's career best season came last year, when he put up 57 points in 82 games. Look for the Czechia centre to hit at least 80 points next season as his ice-time is going to increase through the roof.

Bruins Trade One of Swayman or Ullmark

Boston is only $5.4 million under the cap and still need to sign Jeremy Swayman to a contract for next season. They are going to keep some cap space in-season because there's no doubt they'll be adding some more fire power up front and in order to do so, one of their goalies may need to be shipped out. Swayman is five years younger than Ullmark and will certainly be interesting other teams after posting a .920 save % in 2022-23.

Bruins Lose in First Round of Stanley Cup Playoffs Again

After a massive collapse at the hands of the Florida Panthers last season, it's going to be much of the same swan song in 2023-24. Expect to see the Bruins fall in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs once again next season. Their depth will be exposed and goaltending has been a massive issue when it matters most. That's not going to change next season.

Photo credit:  Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports