Locked On Bruins - Daily Podcast On The Boston Bruins

In this episode of Locked On Bruins, host Ian McLaren analyzes the Boston Bruins' first loss of the season to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the 4-3 defeat, McLaren highlights positive takeaways, including the team's resilience in battling back from a three-goal deficit. He discusses key performances from players like David Pastrnak, Casey Mittelstadt, and Jordan Harris, while also addressing areas for improvement such as reducing turnovers. McLaren compares the current roster to past seasons, suggesting potential for a playoff push. The episode concludes with a look at upcoming challenging games against Vegas, Colorado, and Utah, as well as...

Fraser Minten’s overtime goal wasn’t just a highlight — it was a statement about what kind of team the 2025-26 Boston Bruins want to be.

Through two games, head coach Marco Sturm has his group playing with structure, purpose, and edge. The Bruins are 2-0 to start the season, and even this early, they just feel different.

Host Ian McLaren breaks down all the key takeaways from Boston’s 4-3 OT win over the Chicago Blackhawks, including:

How Fraser Minten, Tanner Jeannot, and Mikey Eyssimont are setting the tone on the Bruins’ new third...

The Marco Sturm era in Boston is officially underway — and it started exactly how he drew it up.
The Boston Bruins defeated the Washington Capitals 3–1 on opening night behind David Pastrňák’s three-point performance and a 35-save gem from Jeremy Swayman. Host Ian McLaren breaks down how Sturm’s system shined, with defensive layers, blocked shots, and disciplined special teams leading the way.

In today’s episode:

It’s Opening Night for the Boston Bruins — and this season feels like a toss up.
Host Ian McLaren breaks down both sides of the coin:
✅ Why the Bruins can return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs — including a Vesna-level Jeremy Swayman, a healthy blue line led by McAvoy and Lindholm, and Marco Sturm’s renewed defensive structure.
🚫 And why they might not — lingering scoring depth issues, a brutal Atlantic Division, and a “grit-over-skill” roster philosophy that could limit offense.

Plus: the team’s new alternate captains, Opening Night preview vs. Washington, and Bruin of the Day: Justin Braze...

The Boston Bruins are embracing a new identity under head coach Marco Sturm — one built on structure, accountability, and, as Cam Neely put it, “a little piss and vinegar.”

Ian McLaren breaks down the key takeaways from the Bruins’ start-of-season press conference:

Plus: the front offi...

The Boston Bruins have made their final roster decisions — and they’re choosing grit over skill once again. Jeffrey Viel beats out Matej Blümel and Matthew Poitras for the last forward spot, signaling Marco Sturm and Don Sweeney’s commitment to a heavy, hard-to-play-against identity heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.

Host Ian McLaren breaks down what Viel’s inclusion means for Boston’s lineup philosophy, the ripple effects for Poitras and Blümel, and whether the Bruins risk losing scoring depth for free.

Then, Jeremy Swayman’s 30-save performance in a 4-1 preseason win over the N...

Locked On Bruins podcast is your daily podcast that drops the puck and keeps you ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Boston Bruins and the National Hockey League.

David Pastrnak has been left out of the NHL’s Top 10 player rankings again — sitting at No. 11 despite leading the league in goals over the past three seasons. 

Host Ian McLaren breaks down why Pastrnak deserves Top 5 recognition, reacts to Charlie McAvoy being ranked 38th and Jeremy Swayman 85th, and recaps the Boston Bruins’ 3-1 preseason win over the Washington Capitals. 

Brett Harrison scored twice in his debut, Joonas Korpisalo stopped 33 of 34 shots, and Don Sweeney announced new roster cuts as the team gets closer to opening night.

Locked On Boston Bruins is your dail...

In this episode of Locked on Boston Bruins, host Ian McLaren analyzes the Atlantic Division's landscape for the upcoming NHL season. He predicts the top four teams as Tampa Bay, Florida, Toronto, and Montreal, discussing their strengths and recent changes. McLaren explores the challenges facing the Bruins in climbing the standings, highlighting the need for improved secondary scoring, goaltending, and defensive play. He examines the team's roster changes and the potential impact of young players. The podcast also covers recent comments from coach Marco Sturm on the expectations for rookies and touches on upcoming roster decisions, with a focus...

Can the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings FINALLY snap their historically long playoff droughts? Can the Boston Bruins return to their usual winning ways after a disaster season? And are the Montreal Canadiens the class of this crop of four squads? In a special Atlantic Divison Hopefuls season preview, Joe DiBiase (Locked On Sabres), Brian Fisher (Locked On Red Wings), Ian McLaren (Locked On Bruins) and Ian Boisvert (Locked On Canadiens) link up to talk about life in the bottom half of the loaded Atlantic Division, and what the path to the playoffs looks like for each of...

In this episode of Locked On Bruins, host Ian McLaren analyzes Kirill Kaprizov's record-breaking contract with the Minnesota Wild and its implications for the Boston Bruins. He compares Kaprizov's performance to David Pastrnak's, highlighting Pastrnak's superior production and value on his current contract. 

McLaren discusses the Bruins' missed opportunity in drafting Kaprizov and explores potential future contract considerations for the team. The episode also touches on upcoming preseason games, roster decisions, and goaltending options as the Bruins prepare for their season opener against the Washington Capitals. 

McLaren concludes with a nostalgic nod to former Bruin Dm...

David Pastrnak returned to preseason action looking sharp, picking up an assist and throwing his weight around, while Jeremy Swayman made his first start in net with a mix of highlight saves and costly mistakes. 

The Bruins rolled out their “dress rehearsal” lineup in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Flyers, showing encouraging signs on defense and special teams but continued uncertainty in the middle six. 

The emotional highlight of the night came from Sean Kuraly, who scored in his TD Garden return just weeks after the passing of his father, Miami University Hall of Famer...

Hampus Lindholm returned to the Boston Bruins lineup for the first time since fracturing his patella last November, and Marco Sturm says the team finally played with the kind of detail he’s been demanding. Dalton Bancroft continues to impress after his standout career at Cornell, John Beecher scored a key goal, and Group A’s lineup looked almost identical to what we’ll see on opening night.

But oddsmakers still aren’t convinced, giving Boston just a 20% playoff probability — 15th in the Eastern Conference. Is that fair, or are the Bruins being underrated heading into 2025–26?

Ian McLare...

The Boston Bruins made their first real roster split on Thursday at Warrior Ice Arena, with Marco Sturm separating NHL regulars from bubble hopefuls as camp cuts loom. Ian McLaren breaks down what it means for players like Fabian Lysell and Johnny Beecher, while also examining the decision to move Matt Poitras to wing alongside Casey Mittelstadt and Tanner Jeannot.

Plus, the Bruins announced that Zdeno Chara is returning to the organization as a Hockey Operations Advisor and Mentor. Ian explains how Chara’s leadership and legacy will impact the current roster and young defensemen like Mason Lo...

What’s the best- and worst-case scenario for the Boston Bruins this season? Host Ian McLaren breaks it down on today’s Locked On Boston Bruins. The nightmare? Missing the playoffs by a single point — stuck in hockey purgatory with no playoff run and no draft lottery reward. The dream? Either winning the Stanley Cup or winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, where elite prospects like Gavin McKenna, Keaton Verhoeff, and Ivar Stenberg headline a loaded class to join James Hagens in Boston’s future core. Most realistically, the Bruins project as a playoff team with limitations, leaning on Jeremy Swayman’...

The Boston Bruins erased a 4-1 deficit to beat the New York Rangers 5-4 in overtime at Madison Square Garden. Host Ian McLaren breaks down Mikey Eyssimont’s three-point third period, Joonas Korpisalo’s full 60-minute test amid glaring defensive miscues, and why Matěj Blümel, Casey Mittelstadt, and Marat Khusnutdinov are pushing for roster spots while Fabian Lysell and Matt Poitras remain on the bubble. Plus, Eyssimont is named Bruin of the Day after delivering the kind of energy and scoring touch Boston desperately needs.

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David Pastrňák is back at Boston Bruins training camp after missing the opening days with knee tendinitis. He insists it’s nothing new — he played through it last season while posting 106 points — but should fans be concerned about his long-term health?

Host Ian McLaren breaks down Pastrňák’s return, including Marco Sturm’s reaction and the impact on Boston’s top line with Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie.

Then, The Athletic’s 2025–26 season preview projects the Bruins for just 79 points (27th overall) and a 16% playoff chance. Why do national analysts see Boston as closer to the draft...

The Boston Bruins opened their preseason with a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, and it wasn’t pretty. Defensive miscues and Michael DiPietro’s shaky outing overshadowed Marco Sturm’s debut behind the bench. Host Ian McLaren breaks down what went wrong in the D-zone, why DiPietro may have missed his chance to seize the backup goalie role, and how it ties into the Bruins’ “redemption or repeat” storyline for 2025-26.

There were positives, though — Morgan Geekie scored on the top line with Elias Lindholm and Viktor Arvidsson, the Bruins played with more pace, and youngsters like Fraser Mi...

On today’s episode of Locked On Boston Bruins, Ian McLaren breaks down the biggest takeaways from Day 1 of training camp at Warrior Ice Arena.

Culture Reset: Head coach Marco Sturm is tearing down old locker room hierarchies by mixing veterans and prospects, with Nikita Zadorov praising the change as a way to build real chemistry from Day 1.

Pastrnak’s Tendinitis: David Pastrnak was the lone absence due to a precautionary knee issue, though Sturm stressed it’s not serious and Pasta was even skating on his own.

Line Combos: From Viktor Arvidsson fillin...

The Boston Bruins opened training camp with big news: David Pastrnak will miss the first few days due to tendinitis, but Don Sweeney calls it load management and expects him back early next week. Sweeney also confirmed the Bruins will not bring in any PTOs, signaling real opportunity for prospects like Fabian Lysell, Fraser Minten, and Matej Blümel to compete for roster spots.

Host Ian McLaren breaks down the key takeaways from Sweeney and Marco Sturm’s press conference, including:

Pastrnak’s injury timeline and what it means for the lineup and power play

...

In this episode of Locked On Boston Bruins, host Ian McLaren answers your top training camp questions. Can Michael DiPietro push past Joonas Korpisalo for the backup job? Who’s the better bounce-back bet — Jeremy Swayman, Elias Lindholm, or Nikita Zadorov? Ian breaks down Boston’s playoff chances, Don Sweeney’s offseason strategy, and the debate around the Tanner Jeannot contract. The episode wraps with a spotlight on Adam McQuaid, newly promoted to Director of Player Development, and his lasting impact on the Bruins organization.

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Locked On Boston Bruins host Ian McLaren dives into bold training camp predictions that could shake up the B’s: Nikita Zadorov wearing the ‘C,’ Tanner Jeannot becoming a TD Garden fan favorite, and the latest chatter on Pavel Zacha trade interest — including from the rival Montreal Canadiens. 

Then we zoom in on the realistic battles that will shape Boston’s opening night roster: Fabian Lysell’s chance to finally stick, Fraser Minten’s breakout potential, and whether Joonas Korpisalo survives camp. 

Plus, Fabian Lysell also gets the spotlight as today’s Bruin of the Day.

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The Boston Bruins already have Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm in black and gold — but could a full Calgary reunion be on the horizon? Host Ian McLaren talks about the possibility of adding Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri:

Why Andersson would instantly stabilize Boston’s blue line, but comes with only one guaranteed season before free agency in 2026.

The real price of adding Kadri at $7M through 2029, including moving out Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt to fit the cap.

How Zadorov’s leadership and Lindholm’s steady presence could tie this Calgary connection together...

In this episode of Locked on Boston Bruins, host Ian McLaren is joined by fellow Bruins fan and Locked on NHL Game Night host Cam Stuart to break down the biggest questions heading into training camp. From lineup battles and prospect development to how Don Sweeney’s latest signings fit into the roster, they dig into what this season might hold.

The two debate whether David Pastrnak or Charlie McAvoy should wear the “C,” explore how Boston can balance veteran presence with emerging young talent, and consider whether this team has what it takes to return to playof...

Kirill Kaprizov just rejected an eight-year, $128M contract extension from the Minnesota Wild — the richest deal in NHL history. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins have David Pastrnak locked in long-term at $11.25M AAV, despite outproducing Kaprizov across the board the last three seasons.

In this episode of Locked On Boston Bruins, Ian McLaren dives into:

Why Kaprizov said no to $128M and how the rising salary cap changes superstar contracts.

The loaded 2026 UFA class (Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kaprizov, Kyle Connor, Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe, Martin Necas, and more).

How Boston’s $83M in...

Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney set the tone for the 2025–26 season at the team’s annual golf outing, stressing that nothing will be handed out at training camp — every spot must be earned. He outlined a reset built on better health, stronger defensive structure, and much-needed special teams improvements, while leaning on stars like David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman to lead the charge. Sweeney also left the door open for PTO signings to fuel even more competition, setting the stage for a battle between veterans and prospects. On today’s podcast, Ian McLaren breaks down how this mandate...

Boston’s special teams were a disaster last season — ranking near the bottom of the NHL on both the power play and penalty kill — and it cost them any shot at competing. On today’s Locked On Boston Bruins, Ian McLaren breaks down just how badly those struggles hurt the team’s goal differential and standings, and why improvement is non-negotiable in 2025-26.

He also examines how new head coach Marco Sturm and assistant coach Steve Spott plan to overhaul the offense and special teams, highlighting how players like David Pastrnak, Elias Lindholm, and Mason Lohrei could be deploye...

The Boston Bruins MUST learn from their past. With Ken Dryden’s passing this weekend, we’re reminded of how Boston once undervalued a young star and handed Montreal the backbone of a dynasty.

Now, in 2025–26, Marco Sturm and Don Sweeney face a similar choice: lean on stopgap veterans like Jeannot, Arvidsson, and Kuraly — or trust Mason Lohrei, Fraser Minten, Fabian Lysell, and the next generation.

On today’s episode:

Why the Kids vs Veterans depth war will define the Bruins’ season.

How Don Sweeney’s grit-over-skill philosophy (see: Beleskey, Backes) keeps blocking...

Jeremy Swayman is heading into Boston Bruins training camp with confidence and swagger — even calling himself “a completely different human being” in third person. After last year’s struggles and heavy fan criticism, the 26-year-old goalie looks locked in following a gold medal performance at the World Championships.

Host Ian McLaren explains why Swayman is ready to rebound, why goalies in Boston always take the heat, and how Tuukka Rask’s career proves that even the best aren’t immune from critics.

All that and more on today’s Locked On Boston Bruins — part of the Locked On Po...

For the first time in 20 years, the Boston Bruins are starting a season without a captain. Ian McLaren breaks down why the team is going with a leadership-by-committee approach, with David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy front and center. Pastrnak’s 106-point season, early arrival at camp, and renewed mindset prove he’s already the Bruins’ true leader. Plus, Bruin of the Day spotlights Marco Sturm — a familiar face and first-time NHL head coach — tasked with building structure, grit, and buy-in to pull Boston out of last year’s basement finish.

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Elias Lindholm admitted last year with the Boston Bruins was “a season I’d rather forget.” Now, entering the 2025–26 NHL season healthy and motivated, Lindholm is determined to redeem himself — and that redemption will define whether the Bruins bounce back into playoff contention.

Host Ian McLaren breaks down:

- Why Lindholm struggled in his first season with Boston (injuries, missed camp, distractions).

- His outlook on a healthier lineup featuring David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Viktor Arvidsson.

- Why Lindholm’s redemption is central to the Bruins’ success in 2025–26.

Plus: Bruin of t...

The Boston Bruins are being disrespected by oddsmakers. FanDuel has set their 2025–26 over/under at 76.5 points — the same total they finished with last year when they were last in the Eastern Conference. 

In the Season 7 premiere of Locked On Boston Bruins, host Ian McLaren explains why this line is too low and why betting the over is the smart play. 

On today’s show: 

Segment 1: Why 76.5 is an insult — the Bruins aren’t the same team that limped through last year. 

Segment 2: Health, second-year stability for Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, offseason addi...

The Locked On Boston Bruins podcast dives into the team’s uncertain position between retooling and competing. Host Ian McLaren breaks down the offseason moves — from new head coach Marco Sturm to veteran additions like Viktor Arvidsson, Tanner Jeannot, and Sean Kuraly.

We tackle the Bruins’ biggest questions:

Can the roster construction support both immediate competitiveness and long-term growth?

Which prospects — including James Hagens, Fraser Minten, and Matthew Poitras — are most likely to make an impact?

How crucial is a healthy defense led by Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm?

Can Jeremy...

On today’s Locked On Boston Bruins, Ian McLaren dives into the latest trade chatter linking Fabian Lysell to the Edmonton Oilers. Would Boston move their 2021 first-round pick—and should they? Ian explains why the Bruins would jump at the chance if top prospect Matt Savoie were on the table, but also why that scenario is highly unlikely given Savoie’s upside and Edmonton’s roster needs.

Plus, Jeremy Swayman speaks out on last season’s frustrations and why he’s confident about the year ahead. Ian breaks down Swayman’s mindset, his new contract, and what his trajectory...

The Boston Bruins know David Pastrnak will light the lamp this season - but who’s going to help him carry the load? Host Ian McLaren breaks down Boston’s biggest scoring concerns heading into 2025–26, from the fallout of Brad Marchand’s departure to whether Morgan Geekie can sustain last season's scoring surge.

Ian also digs into internal options who could surprise like Fabian Lysell, Matt Poitras, and Fraser Minten, plus potential PTO targets like Victor Olofsson, Jacob Vrana, and Robby Fabbri who might bring much-needed secondary scoring. 

With questions about offensive depth beyond the top line...

The Boston Bruins cannot afford to go into the 2025–26 season with Joonas Korpisalo as Jeremy Swayman’s backup.

On today’s episode of Locked On Boston Bruins, Ian McLaren breaks down why Korpisalo’s contract and play are holding the team back, compares the pros and cons of a buyout vs. burying his deal in Providence, and explains why Michael DiPietro — fresh off an AHL Goaltender of the Year campaign and a new two-year, one-way contract — is the obvious replacement at a lower cap hit.

Whether it’s trade, buyout, or bury, the Bruins must move on from K...

In this episode of Locked On Boston Bruins, host Ian McLaren sits down with hockey historian Mike Comito, author of the upcoming book Bruins365. They explore Mike’s path from his hockey roots to writing acclaimed history books, and the unique process behind creating a team-specific collection of stories.

From underappreciated Bruins like Doug Mohns, to fan favorites like Cam Neely, the conversation uncovers hidden gems from franchise history — plus fresh perspectives on the record-breaking 2022–23 regular season. Mike also shares memorable anecdotes involving Bobby Orr and Terry Fox, and reveals where fans can pre-order Bruins365 and follow his wo...

The Locked On NHL Top 100 list is coming — and if it doesn’t include these Boston Bruins, the rankings are broken. David Pastrnak is a Top 10 player in the league, Charlie McAvoy is a top defenseman, and Jeremy Swayman is (still) one of the NHL’s best goalies. Those three are locks. But what about Hampus Lindholm and Morgan Geekie? Ian McLaren makes the case for why both deserve consideration based on recent performance, impact, and upside — and why leaving them out could be a big mistake. We’ll also compare Boston’s elite talent to other top NHL teams like t...

In this episode of Locked on Boston Bruins, host Ian McLaren discusses recent trade rumors surrounding Casey Middlestadt and argues against moving him before the season starts. He emphasizes the potential value Middlestadt brings to the team's forward depth and scoring. McLaren also highlights the importance of Hampus Lindholm's return from injury, noting his impact on the Bruins' defense and overall team performance. The podcast touches on the Bruins' offseason moves and their implications for fantasy hockey, with insights from Dobber Hockey's analysis. McLaren provides his perspective on the team's strategy, potential lineup changes, and expectations for the upcoming...

James Hagens, the Bruins' 2025 first-round pick, decides to return to Boston College for the 2025-26 season. This episode explores Hagens' mature decision-making process, his development path, and what it means for the Bruins' future. The podcast delves into Hagens' summer experiences, including training with NHL players and meeting Adam Sandler. It highlights the young prospect's team-first mentality, physical development, and commitment to long-term success. The episode also touches on the changing landscape of college hockey and how it might benefit Hagens' growth. Overall, it paints a picture of a promising young talent making thoughtful choices to maximize his potential...