The Boston Bruins are in the final stretches with their current team core. This will likely be their final push for the Stanley Cup, with captain Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and potentially even Brad Marchand in the same lineup. The last three members from the 2011 Stanley Cup winners, still playing for Boston. Both Bergeron and Krejci are UFA's by the end of the upcoming season.
The Bruins are one of the oldest teams in the entire NHL. They have been a staple in the playoffs ever since missing out during the 2016-2017 season. The Bruins even made it to the Stanley Cup final during the 2018-2019 season.
It is now or never for the core of the Boston Bruins. Time isn't slowing down, the Bruins are getting older, and like many professional sports, athletes tend to slow down as they age. After the upcoming 2022–23 season, it is likely that Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci may retire. Rumors speculated that Bergeron contemplated retirement this offseason. Bergeron turned 37-years-old this year.
Injuries are another factor that may hamper the Bruins' core. Brad Marchand is currently recovering from a double hip surgery and is set to miss some time. While key players such as Matt Grzelcyk and Charlie McAvoy will miss the start of the season due to their injuries. The question being speculated would be Marchand's play after his surgery. Remember, just about a season ago, Tuukka Rask could not return after his injury and was forced to retire. Could the same occur to Marchand (hopefully not)?
Prospects are another aspect affecting the Bruins in the future. In the hopes of grabbing veterans for a long playoff run, Boston has traded away numerous of high-end prospects and picks. Examples include their past first round pick, Ryan Lindgren (in the deal for Rick Nash), etc. Without the high-end picks, the Bruins aren't able to replenish the farm system and youth. Boston does have top prospects Fabian Lysell and Mason Lohrei, although both won't be NHL ready this season.
Boston's notorious cap situation has also affected the team. The Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney are focused on clearing cap space. Did Boston necessarily get better this offseason? The biggest moves include bringing back Krejci and swapping Erik Haula for Pavel Zacha. Will the Bruins be able to keep up with other contending teams?
Time will tell for the Boston Bruins, but it is looking more and more likely that it is now or never for the aging Bruins core.