The Boston Bruins’ hopes for a return to the playoffs are facing a daunting outlook for the 2025-26 NHL season, at least according to the bettors on FanDuel, who have pegged the Bruins at +4400 to win the Atlantic Division.

The long odds place them next to last in the eight-team division. Only the Buffalo Sabres, at +4800, are viewed as less likely to claim the top spot. Yes, the Bruins have sunk to Buffalo level in the eyes of those responsible for the NHL odds.

Ouch.

This stark projection underscores the challenges the Bruins face as they navigate a highly competitive division and a what was to be transitional phase for the roster.

Despite hopes to the contrary, until some of the previous acquisitions live up to their best, there is a gap between the Bruins and their divisional rivals. The Detroit Red Wings, at +3300, are seen as a stronger contender, buoyed by a young core and finally getting a goalie (John Gibson).

The Montreal Canadiens, at +1600, are generating real buzz around the league with their emerging young talent and potential for a breakout season. Look no further than second-round pick Lane Hutson.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, despite losing star forward Mitch Marner to Vegas in a sign-and-trade on the eve of free agency, remain a formidable force. They are going off at +800, thanks to their depth and offensive firepower. The Ottawa Senators, fresh off snapping a seven-year playoff drought, are listed at +400.

There is a lot to like about Ottawa’s maturing core.

Of course, the perennial sharks in the water, the Tampa Bay Lightning, with their loaded roster and understanding how to win, sit at +310. Lest we forget about the hard-partying, potential dynasty, two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. They are the overwhelming favorites at +140, riding the momentum of their back-to-back titles and a rock-solid lineup.

While the Sunshine State crews have excelled, the Bruins have struggled to maintain their footing following the departure of key players in recent years. The retirement of franchise icons like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci has left significant gaps in leadership and two-way play. While David Pastrnak remains a dynamic offensive force, the team’s depth scoring has been, at best, inconsistent. Watching Brad Marchand’s Stanley Cup parties doesn’t help, either.

For bettors who don’t watch the Bruins on a daily basis, the goaltending tandem with Jeremy Swayman shows promise but lacks the proven consistency of past seasons. Will Michael DiPietro take the backup role from Joonas Korpisalo? Does it really matter?

Offseason moves have done little to bolster confidence in the Bruins’ immediate plans. The acquisitions have been modest, focusing on depth rather than top-end talent, and their prospect pipeline, while promising, is not yet ready to make a significant impact at the NHL level. Injuries have also played a role, with key players like Charlie McAvoy (Thanks, Four Nations) and Hampus Lindholm battling ailments in recent seasons, raising concerns about durability. The team’s physical, defense-first style, a hallmark of their success, has been harder to execute with a younger, less experienced roster.

The Atlantic Division’s depth further complicates the Bruins’ path. The Panthers, with stars like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, are a juggernaut. After locking up their key free agents, they were also clearly a winner in the NHL free agency period, too. Tampa Bay’s experience and Ottawa’s youthful energy pose significant challenges. Even teams like Montreal and Detroit, traditionally viewed as rebuilding, are showing signs of surpassing Boston in the short term. The Bruins’ +4400 odds reflect a broader sentiment that their window for contention may be closing, at least temporarily, as they retool for the future.

Despite the long odds, Boston’s passionate fan base and storied history suggest the team won’t go quietly. Coach Marco Sturm, known for his ability to maximize player potential, could spark a turnaround if the team gels early. However, with the division stacked against them and roster questions lingering, the Bruins face an uphill battle to defy expectations and climb the Atlantic Division standings in the 2025-26 season.