The final horn of the season for the Boston Bruins blared on Tuesday night, sealing a 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils. Marked the end of a lost season for the Boston Bruins, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and posted their first losing record since 2007. Fans sat in stunned silence, grappling with a reality they hadn’t faced in nearly a decade. But in the wake of this gut punch, CEO Charlie Jacobs penned a raw, heartfelt apology, owning the team’s failures and vowing to make things right.

The 2024-25 season was a rough one for Boston Bruins. After a 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils, the Bruins wrapped up with a 25-30-7 record under interim coach Joe Sacco, who stepped in after Jim Montgomery was fired just 20 games into the season. The team’s slide wasn’t just a blip; it was a collapse. They finished last in the Atlantic Division and tied for last in the Eastern Conference. Ouch. David Pastrnak, the team’s star forward, summed it up: “I’m sad it’s over, obviously. That’s pretty much the only answer I can give you right now.” Fans felt that.

Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs addressed the situation with a heartfelt letter. “It’s clear that we have a lot of work to do, and that work is already underway. Despite how difficult it has been to say goodbye to some of our most beloved Bruins this season, these decisions were rooted in the best interests of the future of our franchise.” Pastrnak carried the offense almost single-handedly, leading with 43 goals and 63 assists for 106 points—nearly double his closest teammate.

But with Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm sidelined by injuries, the defense was a revolving door. Jeremy Swayman, expected to anchor the net, struggled after a late contract holdout, signing an eight-year, $66 million deal just two days before the season opener. His shaky start set a tough tone. Moreover, the General Manager, Don Sweeney, made the tough decision to sell off the glue that kept the Bruins together at the NHL Trade Deadline. That was the trade of 16-year veteran winger Brad Marchand, and the Bruins’ former captain made his feelings known about the trade as well.

Jacobs further added, “Together with our hockey operations leaders, we are actively preparing for the NHL Draft and anticipate a top-tier selection with more draft capital in hand than we have had in recent years. We are also eager to bolster our roster through free agency and open the door for some of our young prospects to take the next steps in their development.” His letter to fans was a gut check, acknowledging the boos and the betrayal felt in the stands.

Looking ahead, there’s a flicker of hope. Swayman’s already rallying, talking about competing every day for the fans and the Bruins’ legacy. Jacobs’ words hint at bold moves—maybe a new coach or a roster shake-up. For now, Bruins Nation is nursing its wounds, and their loss to the New Jersey Devils has only increased the problems. But if Jacobs delivers, next season could be the comeback story we’re all dying to see.

Boston Bruins’ overtime loss to Devils impacts team’s draft position

For a team already out of playoff contention for the first time since 2016, that single point earned in OT could cost them dearly in the 2025 NHL Draft lottery. Fans at TD Garden were torn—some craved a win to close out a brutal year, while others rooted for a loss to boost the team’s shot at a high draft pick. Neither side left happy.

The Bruins finished with a 33-39-10 record, tying with the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken at 76 points. That overtime point kept Boston Bruins from locking in the fourth-worst record, which would’ve given them a 9.5% chance at the No. 1 pick and a guaranteed top-six selection, per Tankathon. Instead, their draft position now hinges on the Flyers’ final game against Buffalo. If Philly earns a point, Boston Bruins holds the No. 4 spot with those juicy odds. If the Flyers lose in regulation, the Bruins slip to No. 5, dropping their No. 1 pick odds to 8.5% and risking a slide to the seventh pick.

The trade deadline fired transaction, including Brad Marchand, signalled a rebuild for the Bruins. Now, the focus is on the draft, where a top pick could land a game-changer like Saginaw’s Michael Misa or defenseman Matthew Schaefer. The NHL Draft lottery will be conducted in late May, and the NHL Draft will be on Friday, June 27 (Round 1) and Saturday, June 28 (Rounds 2-7) in Los Angeles. CEO Charlie Jacobs’ apology to fans promised a turnaround, and a high draft pick could be the first step. For now, Bruins Nation awaits, scoreboard-watching Philly’s finale, hoping that the OT point doesn’t haunt them come lottery day.