Boston Bruins fans are in full-on panic mode, and honestly, they might have a point. The team’s vibe feels off, and the Bruins are spiraling—you can see it in their standings—especially after several high-profile names departed ahead of the season. But what is the issue, exactly? Well, as per some Redditors, it’s all about the front office’s shortfalls. Before we dive into the story, though…

It’s no shocker that the team has been struggling as of late. Poised to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season with a 28-26 record, the Bruins aren’t just reeling from a roster deprecation, but also lack of results from the remaining players left. And in their February 2 loss against the Minnesota Wild (1-0), that inadequacy was on full display. While Minnesota snapped their three-game winning streak, thanks to a lone execution by Frederick Gaudreau, Boston endured their fifth loss in six games, with David Pastrnak’s 17-game point streak snapped. Well, with the offense a no-show, it’s only so far Pastrnak’s one-man army can take you. 

So, as expected, the opponent made full use of the opportunity. Not only did Filip Gustavsson stop 28 shots, but defenseman Mason Lohrei was also caught out of position giving Gaudreau the perfect opportunity to score the game-winner. And then there was Brad Marchand, who was a complete no-show on Sunday owing to a upper body injury he sustained during a 3-2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Looks like the Bruins are in need of an anchor—the type that only comes with experience and leadership skills, as pointed out by the community.

Unfortunately, as the front office come off an exit-filled offseason, fans seem to be missing key figures who brought the level of enthusiasm needed in the team. Pat Maroon, for starters, joined Boston on March 8 last year, could only play two games for the team owing to back injury, before he left for the Chicago Blackhawks on a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Yet his presence proved to be paramount as put by Brandon Carlo, “Everyone takes care of what they’re going to (do) based off of his [Maroon’s] words, just from his experience and his leadership. He’s a great resource for all of us and a great leader as well.”

And then there was James Van Riemsdyk, who joined the team, on a one-year, $1 million contract in July 2023. Akin to Maroon, he didn’t make much of an impact either—he scored 11 goals (more than half of what he scored with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2022), with 27 assists. Well, the numbers certainly do not speak, but his mindset sure did outside the rink.

He recorded a respectable 38 points during that time, which weren’t amazing numbers, but like Maroon, he did have an impact in other ways, with his leadership and experience. However, the veteran joined the Columbus Blue Jackets in September last year, effectively taking his leadership skills elsewhere.

As per NHL.com, Jackets’ head coach Dean Evason also mentioned how happy he was with what the 35-year-old has brought to the table. “He’s done everything that we’ve asked of him.” And honestly, it’s a craft van Riemsdyk enjoyed too. In a conversation in December last year, he had said, “I’ve definitely enjoyed that…All of a sudden, you look around and you’re one of the older guys…You’re one of the guys that sets the example of how things are done, and I think a lot of times you have to live it every day. You can’t just be telling people what to do; you have to have that good approach in how you go about your craft.” The only downside? The Bruins missing out. But that’s not all…

One other figure that could perhaps help would have been Kevin Shattenkirk, had he not retired in December last year. While he spent just one season with the Bruins, just like Maroon and van Riemsdyk, Shattenkirk’s leadership contributions were highly valued. For instance, in the first round of the playoffs last year against the Maple Leafs, Shattenkirk made an inspiring speech before their 2-1 Game 7 win vs the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“Shatty gave the group an incredible speech that really allowed us to kind of settle down and understand where we were at, how we had to play and what we needed to believe to get the job done,” Marchand had revealed.

But now all three are gone, leaving Marchand the most senior veteran on the team. The leadership void isn’t just a vibe check—it’s showing up in the results. In the last month, they have only won 3 games out of a possible 8. Now, that is sad, given the Boston Bruins’ legacy and their 8-season playoff streak (tied with the Maple Leafs for the longest active streak), which looks to end this season, bringing the fans to their knees…

Wait, isn’t there still a veteran presence in the Boston Bruins team?

Some fans clapped back at the leadership crisis talk, saying, “They have Coyle, McAvoy, Carlo, Pastrnak and plenty of other guys who have been in the league long enough to be considered Vets. So maybe there’s a lack of leadership but certainly no lack of a veteran presence.” Technically, they’re not wrong—but here’s the tea: Veteran ≠ Leader. Coyle’s been in the league since 2013, but his whole career has been a rollercoaster of inconsistency. Charlie McAvoy is a beast on the ice, but leadership-wise? He’s still figuring it out. Although to be fair to the fan, David Pastrnak has certainly stepped up his leadership game these past few seasons.

One fan clearly disagreed: “Coyle’s career has been defined by inconsistent play, he’s not someone you turn to for leadership.” Then there’s the emotional gut punch. One fan said, “I was just thinking I miss Big rig 😢” And who wouldn’t? Pat Maroon isn’t just a big dude who can throw hands—this man is someone who can influence the entire locker room and is respected by all. He won three straight Cups, including dragging the St. Louis Blues to their first-ever Cup win in 2019.

Another fan threw Danton Heinen into the convo, “Couldn’t agree more, think Heinen was important too.” Heinen’s career path has been a winding road. Following a short stint back in Boston for one year, Heinen has moved around the league. But more importantly, he was with the Bruins in the 2010s and playing with the likes of Patrice Bergeron, Tuukka Rask, and Zdeno Chara. That has to count for something.

The lineup chaos isn’t helping either. One fan summed it up perfectly: “Eh, we also just have people playing in the top 6 that have no business in the top 6.”  Let’s look at who’s eating big minutes. 

Put it all together and you see the problem—the Boston Bruins lost their emotional core, with no real replacement. Fans aren’t just being dramatic—they’re spotting the culture change in real time. And unless someone steps up (or they go trade shopping for some locker room glue), this “leadership gap” could turn into a full-blown identity crisis.