Hockey Gods Were Not Kind to the Bruins

The Boston Bruins entered the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery with hopes of securing a top-five pick to bolster their prospect pool. Instead, they faced the worst possible outcome—dropping from the fifth spot to the seventh overall selection.

The Bruins finished the 2024-25 season with the league’s fifth-worst record, giving them an 8.5% chance at landing the first overall pick. However, with the New York Islanders securing the top selection and the Utah Hockey Club making a surprising leap to fourth, Boston slid back two spots to seventh—the furthest they could fall under the lottery rules.

For a team that has struggled to replenish its talent pipeline in recent years, missing out on a top pick seems frustrating, but not as bad as many are making it out to be. Bruins fans had hoped for a chance to draft a franchise-altering player in the top six, but now must adjust their thinking.

Despite the setback, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney remains optimistic. “We’re still picking in the upper echelon of the draft, which we haven’t done in a significant time period,” Sweeney said. He emphasized that the team will still land an impact player, even if they missed out on a higher selection.

Sweeney also hinted at the possibility of trading up, stating that the Bruins will explore all options before making their final decision. While moving up in the draft is challenging, Boston’s front office will likely consider every avenue to maximize the value of their pick.

While dropping in the draft lottery is disappointing, the Bruins still have an opportunity to add a valuable piece to their roster. Whether they choose to keep the seventh pick or explore trade options, the upcoming draft will be crucial in shaping the team’s future.

With the lottery now completed, the Bruins draft picks in the draft are set, except for one. Here is where the Bruins will be selecting:

Round 1: 7^th pick

Round 2: 51^st, 55^th, picks

Round 3: 69^th pick

Round 4: 100^th pick

Round 5: 133^rd pick

Round 6: 165^th pick

Round 7: 197^th pick

The pick not confirmed is the 55^th pick that was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche (previously acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes) in the Charlie Coyle deal. That may have to wait until the playoffs are over to decide.

Over the next several weeks. I will cover players that could be available to the Bruins for each pick they have in the draft.