3 Boston Bruins Who Won't Be Back Next Season

Another Boston Bruins season has come to an end, after advancing to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2021. They will not be coming back with the same roster in 2024-25 as there are eight unrestricted free agents, and another three restricted free agents.

And it is the future of one of those RFAs that will likely determine what happens with the first player on our list of three Bruins who will likely not be back next season.

Linus Ullmark

Last year's Vezina Trophy winner took a back seat to his compatriot between the pipes Jeremy Swayman this year, particularly in the playoffs, where Swayman started 12 of the team's 13 games. And with the latter in line for a big extension this summer, it's yet another sign that Ullmark's days as a Bruin are numbered. He was almost traded at this season's deadline but he put the kibosh on the deal with his 16-team no-trade clause. Another attempt will be made this offseason, with half of the teams in the league being fair game.

Kevin Shattenkirk

The Bruins got decent value out of the $1.05 million bargain-bin signing of Shattenkirk in last summer's free agency. But he's 35 now and was only trusted to suit up in six of the team's 13 playoff games. The third-pairing d-man heads back into free agency and will likely not be back.

Pat Maroon

The 36-year-old enforcer was brought in at the trade deadline to add some toughness to the fourth line for a playoff run. That run is now over, and it's quite likely that Maroon's is as well, as the Bruins would be much better off giving his job to a youngster going into next season.

There are many others whose futures in Boston are very much in question, like James van Riemsdyk (UFA) and Jesper Boqvist (RFA), but the biggest question mark will be UFA Jake DeBrusk. He'll be costly to re-sign, but can the Bruins really afford to lose his scoring from the middle-six?