After a disastrous 2024-25 season, the Boston Bruins have turned the ship around in 2025-26 and sit in a playoff spot. First-year head coach Marco Sturm has been a perfect fit, and the players we expect to perform are performing. David Pastrnak, Morgan Geekie, and Jeremy Swayman are all doing what’s asked of them. But here are three underrated Bruins who shone brightly leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympic break.
Marat Khusnutdinov
What was Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin thinking, trading Jakob Lauko, Marat Khusnutdinov, and a 2026 sixth-round pick for Justin Brazeau? Lauko was familiar territory for the Bruins, but Khusnutdinov became the prize. Khusnutdinov was playing on the Wild’s fourth line, which doesn’t suit his skill set. With the Bruins, he has been used up and down the lineup and even earned time on the top line.
Khusnutdinov brings a special blend of speed and skill. He beats defenders to pucks and can sneak behind them. Also, he is a line driver and makes life easier for Pastrnak when he’s on his line. He has a good scoring touch and has been productive this season with 12 goals and 26 points through 52 games, good for a 0.5 points-per-game average. He’s been everything for the Bruins and more, giving them the depth they needed.
Fraser Minten
The trade involving Brandon Carlo at last season’s trade deadline just keeps getting better for the Bruins. Boston acquired Fraser Minten, a 2026 first-round draft pick (top-five protected), and a 2025 fourth-round draft pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Carlo. He has been hurt and has struggled this season, while Minten is thriving.
Minten has been an all-around good player for the Bruins. He has primarily slotted in as the third-line center and has successfully anchored his line. He’s also earned the trust of his coach and was moved up to the top line in Elias Lindholm’s absence. He’s been a real bright spot offensively and defensively.
Minten has 14 goals and 29 points in 52 games, including a hot streak in January, scoring 16 points in 15 games. He’s been slightly below average in the faceoff circle (48.5%), isn’t afraid to finish his checks, and has a bright future ahead of him at 21 years old. He’s just scratching the surface of his potential and has been a treat to watch.
Pavel Zacha
Pavel Zacha has turned into a great player for the Bruins. He’s confidently come into his own and has been a bright spot in the lineup since he joined the team ahead of the 2022-23 season. He has 37 points in 54 games and is on pace for 56 points. If he reaches that mark, it will be the third time in four seasons in Boston that he reaches the 50-point mark.
Related: Bruins’ 2nd Line Continues to Be One of the Best in the League
Zacha gives the Bruins a second line that can score, taking pressure off Pastrnak and the top line. The line of Zacha, Casey Mittlestadt, and Viktor Arvidsson has been stellar this season, combining for the fourth most goals in the league. Zacha is the line driver, and he continues to elevate his game each season.
Bruins Ready to Push for the Playoffs
These players have helped the Bruins get to where they are, but the real grind starts when the Olympic break ends and the NHL resumes play on Feb. 25 (Feb. 26 for the Bruins). The push for the playoffs is in full swing, and if the Bruins get there, these three players will have played a hand in that.
