Boston Bruins linked to $25 million player amid push to reload around David Pastrnak

Following a disappointing season, the Boston Bruins could target Kraken left wing Jared McCann as the ideal linemate to help reignite David Pastrnak and fast-track the team’s retool.

Bruins made moves, but none that truly changed the game

The 2024-25 season was a mess. The Bruins didn’t just underperform; they looked flat, uninspired and directionless. Everyone expected Don Sweeney to make a statement this summer. Instead, he played it safe.

Ten players were signed. Most of them? Bottom-six forwards. Functional, yes — but forgettable. A trade for Viktor Arvidsson offered some hope, but it wasn’t exactly a game-changer.

So now the attention has shifted to a name that might actually move the needle: Jared McCann.

A rare chance to give Pastrnak real help

Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann could be on the move, and the Bruins are being urged to pounce.

The Seattle Kraken remain open to moving forward Jared McCann if the right offer presents itself, according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta. Potentially losing arguably the most valuable forward on the roster doesn’t sound like a good idea.

At 29, McCann is in his prime and coming off another quietly productive season. He can drive offense, finish at five-on-five and slide seamlessly into a team’s top-six. For a Bruins team starved for scoring help outside of David Pastrnak, he fits like a glove.

McCann wouldn’t just patch a hole. He could finally give Pastrnak a stable, dangerous partner — something Boston hasn’t had consistently since the Bergeron-Marchand days started to fade.

He’d lift the power play and the locker room

It’s not just about five-on-five. McCann brings value on special teams, too. Boston’s power play looked stale at times last season, relying heavily on Pastrnak’s one-timer to get results. With McCann’s puck sense and shooting ability added to the mix, they’d instantly become harder to defend.

If you’re the Bruins, you move assets to get a guy like McCann. He speeds up your re-tool, adds to your 5v5 scoring and immediately updates the roster.

He’s not the flashiest name on the market, but that’s part of the appeal. McCann is affordable, productive and doesn’t need to dominate the spotlight to make an impact. He’s a plug-and-play piece who would instantly upgrade Boston’s top six.

Sweeney’s window to act is now — before someone else does

Sweeney’s offseason has been more about volume than vision. But if he’s serious about accelerating this retool and giving his franchise player the support he needs, McCann is the kind of swing he has to take.

Don Sweeney needs to be interested in him if he’s serious about wanting to get the Boston Bruins back to being a competitive team.

Other teams are watching Seattle closely. If McCann truly is available, the Bruins can’t afford to sit back and hope someone else doesn’t bite first.

Whether Sweeney has the appetite to pay the price — and the courage to make the bold move — may ultimately determine how far this team can go next year.