The Boston Bruins are entering a new phase following the end of the Brad Marchand era, and with the franchise seeking to reclaim its championship pedigree, eyes are already turning toward 2025. As the next NHL offseason looms, speculation is mounting that Connor McDavid, the face of the Edmonton Oilers, could become the league’s most sought-after free agent.
McDavid, widely regarded as the best hockey player in the world, is entering the final year of his contract with Edmonton. While the Oilers continue to push for a Stanley Cup, the possibility of McDavid testing the open market has not been ruled out. That scenario has led several NHL analysts to identify Boston as one of the few realistic and compelling landing spots.
A potential move to Boston would not only shake the NHL landscape, but also signal a new era for the Bruins — one built around a generational center following the retirements of legends Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
Why are the Bruins being linked to Connor McDavid?
The report that reignited the discussion comes from NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report, who included Boston on a shortlist of possible McDavid destinations in 2025. In his analysis, Gretz pointed out that Boston’s search for an elite center remains unresolved and that McDavid’s talent and leadership could be exactly what the Bruins need.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates with the puck against the Florida Panthers during the first period in Game Three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
“To be more than what they were this past season and more than what their roster figures to look like this upcoming season, they’ll need a game-changing No. 1 center,” Gretz wrote. “That has been their biggest need since Bergeron and Krejci retired… McDavid obviously would [satisfy] it.”
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Boston’s current depth chart includes names like Casey Mittelstadt, Pavel Zacha, and newly signed Elias Lindholm, but none possess the star power or offensive explosiveness of McDavid. The Bruins are also one of the Original Six franchises with strong financial backing, a large fanbase, and championship ambitions.
Is Connor McDavid open to leaving Edmonton?
As of now, McDavid has not publicly expressed any desire to leave the Oilers. His focus remains on winning a Stanley Cup with Edmonton — something he has yet to achieve despite multiple deep playoff runs. However, NHL insiders have noted that McDavid’s upcoming free agency could present a turning point in his career.
The 27-year-old center has spent his entire career with the Oilers, accumulating over 900 career points and capturing multiple Hart Memorial Trophies. But after nearly a decade of unmet expectations, he may evaluate his options if Edmonton once again falls short in the postseason.
The Bruins, with their organizational stability, winning culture, and massive market, would undoubtedly be an attractive destination — especially if they can clear the cap space to make a serious offer.
What would a McDavid-to-Boston move mean for the NHL?
Should McDavid don the black and gold, the Bruins would instantly return to Stanley Cup contention. The combination of McDavid’s elite skating, playmaking, and scoring ability would give Boston a new franchise centerpiece capable of carrying them through a reloaded Eastern Conference.
From a league-wide perspective, such a move would represent one of the biggest free agent shifts in modern NHL history. It would also restore some of the excitement to Boston after the departure of Marchand, while sending shockwaves through Edmonton, a city that has built its identity around McDavid.
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Still, much can change between now and next July. But if McDavid hits free agency, don’t be surprised if Boston makes a bold pitch to bring the NHL’s most electrifying player to TD Garden.
