The Boston Bruins surprisingly missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007 and change is in the air.

Off-Season Game Plan looks at a Bruins team that has already changed its general manager, going from Peter Chiarelli to Don Sweeney, and may be open to more significant moves this summer as they try to gain financial flexibility.

The Bruins haven't given a ringing endorsement to head coach Claude Julien, but waiting this long after the season before firing him would seem to be a strange state of affairs, so Julien may be back. While there are some quibbles with how Julien deploys his players, it's hard to argue with the success he's achieved in Boston.

What Boston's new braintrust will need to figure out is how painful the process of improving will be. Can they tweak a 96-point team and make it a playoff team next season? Of course. The Bruins were a Top-10 possession team and have a quality goaltender, so there's no need to start tearing down what has been built.

At the same time, salary cap considerations being what they are, the Bruins could - and should - be prepared to make some significant moves to give the team more room to manoeuvre. If that means trading Milan Lucic or Loui Eriksson, well, that's probably a starting point.

One of the Bruins' biggest challenges, from time to time, is generating enough offence so that they can fully take advantage of their solid possession game. It's not unreasonable to hope that a healthy year for David Krejci coupled with the development of David Pastrnak, Ryan Spooner and Brett Connolly could be enough to get the Bruins back on the playoff track.

But with new decision-makers overseeing the process, the Bruins will be fascinating to watch this summer, to see just how much change they are prepared to undergo.

HOCKEY OPS/COACH

Don Sweeney/Claude Julien

RETURNING FORWARDS NAME GP G A PTS SAT% SPSV% SCF% SAT%Rel OZS% '15-16 CAP Patrice Bergeron 81 23 32 55 58.2 96.7 60.2 9.0 43.0 $6.875M Loui Eriksson 81 22 25 47 52.8 99.4 53.4 1.7 49.2 $4.25M Milan Lucic 81 18 26 44 51.1 103.1 48.3 -0.8 53.8 $6.0M Brad Marchand 77 24 18 42 56.5 98.0 58.2 6.8 49.5 $4.5M Reilly Smith 81 13 27 40 55.0 99.5 55.3 4.5 52.7 $3.425M David Krejci 47 7 24 31 51.3 102.1 48.7 -1.2 52.1 $7.25M Chris Kelly 80 7 21 28 51.6 99.9 53.6 -0.1 46.9 $3.0M David Pastrnak 46 10 17 27 55.2 103.9 55.2 5.5 69.2 $925K Max Talbot 81 5 13 18 44.2 99.7 43.9 -1.7 46.3 $875K Seth Griffith 30 6 4 10 49.4 100.2 45.8 -3.2 51.7 $759K

FREE AGENT FORWARDS NAME GP G A PTS SAT% SPSV% SCF% SAT%Rel OZS% '14-15 CAP STATUS Carl Soderberg 82 13 31 44 51.4 101.7 52.4 -0.5 51.9 $1.008M UFA Ryan Spooner 29 8 10 18 50.2 101.2 49.2 -1.3 56.8 $760K RFA Daniel Paille 71 6 7 13 45.7 97.7 45.0 -7.7 48.3 $1.3M UFA Gregory Campbell 70 6 6 12 41.4 100.8 40.4 -12.0 40.0 $1.6M UFA Brett Connolly 55 12 5 17 55.3 100.5 54.4 1.0 52.1 $851K RFA Simon Gagne 23 3 1 4 47.7 102.2 48.0 -6.1 60.4 $600K UFA

When discussing the best centres in the game, the attention starts with the guys who put up 80-plus points because scoring at that level is rare. If there is a 55-60-point player that plays a consistently elite defensive game and can have a similar impact, then it's Patrice Bergeron, who has been far-and-away the best possession forward in the game over the past four seasons.

What's all the more remarkable about Bergeron is that his dominant possession game comes while taking on tough assignments (ie. starting more shifts in the defensive zone and matching up against the opposition's top line). If you'll buy the argument that Bergeron is a play-driving superstar, then it's fair to wonder why he hovers around 18 minutes per game of ice time, ranking sixth among Bruins forwards in even-strength ice time.

Winger Loui Eriksson might be considered to have recovered his offensive game to some degree this year because he surpassed the 20-goal threshold for the first time since 2011-2012, but his 0.58 points per game still represented his lowest rate since 2007-2008. This isn't to disparage Eriksson's production, because he's a solid two-way winger, always has been, but his 70-point seasons are likely to remain in the rear-view mirror.

Milan Lucic may serve as a canary in the coalmine for the new Bruins management. The 26-year-old power forward is coming off a down season (0.54 points per game his lowest since 2009-2010) and is going into the final year of his contract. When he's on, he's a unique contributor, able to score goals and play an intimidating physical game, but he fought a career-low three times last season and has always seemed dependent on the playmaking skills of linemates to create opportunities.

With the Bruins looking for ways to create financial flexibility, moving Lucic would be a step in that direction, but if they decide that his style of play is integral to this team - forcing other others to be moved - and a contract extension is forthcoming, it will be clear where the franchise's priorities sit.

He's known for his aggravating style of play, but Brad Marchand forms an outstanding play-driving combination with Bergeron. Marchand's aggressiveness on the forecheck is an asset and he's scored 95 goals over the past four seasons, ranking 25th in the league.

Reilly Smith was something of a find as part of the Tyler Seguin trade, scoring 20 goals and 51 points in 2013-2014, but predictably his lofty percentages tumbled last season and he dropped to 13 goals and 40 points. He also received a two-year contract extension and while it's not an unreasonable price to pay for Smith's contributions, a team that is feeling the cap crunch might be inclined to seek out a cheaper replacement.

Injuries finally caught up to the normally durable David Krejci, as he missed 35 games last season, compared to a total of 16 games in the previous six seasons. When he was in the lineup, Krejci wasn't very productive either, so the Bruins either need a bounceback from Krejci next season or, if they're really looking to make big changes, seek out a team that is interested in his $7.25-million cap hit.

Veteran centre Chris Kelly is a tad pricey for what he brings, but the 34-year-old remains a defensively-responsible option. At the same time, there's no need for Kelly to log 15:08 time on ice per game, which was his highest average since 2010-2011.

A rare bright light in Boston's 2014-2015 season, David Pastrnak burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old after being selected 25th in last summer's draft; the only player taken in the 2014 Draft to play more than Pastrnak's 46 games was first overall pick Aaron Ekblad. Pastrnak didn't just suit up, he was really productive, scoring 2.47 points per 60 minutes (of 5-on-5 play), which ranked 13th in the league, ahead of Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Corey Perry and more.

He played sheltered minutes, as one might expect of an 18-year-old thrust into regular NHL duty, starting more of his shifts in the offensive zone, but Pastrnak kept play moving in the right direction and his offensive potential makes him a cornerstone piece for the Bruins as they try to reshape the roster on the fly.

Veteran forward Max Talbot is a heart-and-soul type of player, but last season's 18 points in 81 games (0.22 ppg) was his lowest rate since 2009-2010, and he had just three assists in 18 games with the Bruins.

A hard-working winger who got into his first NHL action last season, Seth Griffith has a little offensive upside (and scored 31 points in 39 AHL games last season), but is facing a battle from other young forwards battling for jobs.

It took some time for Ryan Spooner to earn enough trust from the coaching staff, but Krejci's injury opened the door for Spooner last season and he forced his way through. With 29 points in 56 career games, the playmaking centre is ready for a full-time role as he continues to develop his all-around game.

Acquired from Tampa Bay before the trade deadline, Brett Connolly promptly broke his finger and didn't get into the lineup until April. The 23-year-old hasn't established himself as a full-time player in the NHL - last season's 55 games was his most since his 68-game rookie season in 2011-2012 - and 34 points in 139 games doesn't provide much reason for confidence. However, last season's 10 even-strength goals in minimal ice time at least offers the possibility that Connolly just needs a chance to play consistent minutes in order to show his talent. He should get a fair opportunity with the Bruins next season.

If the Bruins trade out a high-priced forward, or two, then there will be holes that need to be filled. A veteran winger, like Daniel Winnik, Blake Comeau or Sean Bergenheim would help the bottom six and acquiring a fourth-line centre to replace Gregory Campbell would be advisable.

RETURNING DEFENCE NAME GP G A PTS SAT% SPSV% SCF% SAT%Rel OZS% '15-16 CAP Torey Krug 78 12 27 39 53.1 102.3 52.7 2.5 59.9 $1.4M Zdeno Chara 63 8 12 20 54.2 98.5 54.4 3.7 45.7 $6.5M Dennis Seidenberg 82 3 11 14 48.2 99.7 47.2 -5.7 44.4 $4.0M Kevan Miller 41 2 5 7 49.7 104.4 51.3 -3.2 52.0 $800K Zach Trotman 27 1 4 5 53.2 99.1 56.2 3.4 58.1 $625K

FREE AGENT DEFENCE NAME GP G A PTS SAT% SPSV% SCF% SAT%Rel OZS% '14-15 CAP STATUS Dougie Hamilton 72 10 32 42 54.9 98.6 54.7 4.7 46.9 $894K RFA Adam McQuaid 63 1 6 7 49.5 98.9 49.0 -3.1 49.7 $1.567M UFA Matt Bartkowski 47 0 4 4 49.9 98.9 48.3 -2.4 49.6 $1.25M UFA

Torey Krug is on the small side, but who cares? He earned more minutes as least season went along, playing more than 21 minutes per game down the stretch, and has 79 points in his first two NHL seasons. The play also tends to move in the right direction with Krug on the ice.

38-year-old Zdeno Chara missed 19 games with injuries last season, the first time since 1999-2000 that he missed more than a dozen games, and he wasn't in fine form when he did play. This is understandable - aging defencemen coming off injuries can't be expected to forever maintain a star level of play - but the Bruins have Big Z under contract for three more years. Can he remain a top-pair defender for that time? If not, would the Bruins dare to move out the player that has been the bedrock of their defence since signing in 2006?

After knee surgery cost him more than half of the 2013-2014 season, Dennis Seidenberg was once again his durable self, playing all 82 games last year. Trouble is, Seidenberg's play seems to be slipping. He still played more than 22 minutes per game last year and was tilted towards the defensive zone, but his relative possession numbers were the worst of his career. Some of that may be due to his deployment, but he's always been in a defensively-focused role. Seidenberg is also under contract for three more years, and could be deemed expendable.

A physical stay-at-home defenceman, Kevan Miller was sidelined by shoulder surgery last season. He's a 27-year-old who has played 88 career NHL games, so expectations have to be kept in check, but a healthy Miller would have a spot on Boston's third pairing.

A seventh-round pick out of Lake Superior State in 2010, Zach Trotman has been getting his reps in the AHL, and split time between the AHL and NHL last year, his third pro season. He was quite effective in the 27 games he played for the Bruins last year, and his contract is about to be a one-way deal, so it's easy enough to see Trotman in a regular role with the Bruins next season, even if it's as the seventh defenceman.

One of the biggest challenges facing the Bruins this summer is how they will handle the contract of restricted free agent Dougie Hamilton. The 21-year-old had a breakthrough season and looks every bit like a number one defenceman, the kind of player that other teams will covet. If Hamilton gets to market, he is the kind of asset that could draw an offer sheet, from a team sensing the Bruins' financial bind, but there is not much reason for the Bruins to prioritize other assets ahead of Hamilton. He's the long-term future, and present, on the blueline, so Boston will have to find a way to pay up. If that means shipping out others whose contributions are not as significant, so be it.

Even if the Bruins don't move out any defencemen, they may need to acquire help in order to make up for the potential departures of free agents Adam McQuaid and Matt Bartkowski. If we presume that Boston isn't in the position to break the bank on a free agent defenceman, maybe a veteran like Jan Hejda, Barret Jackman or Marek Zidlicky could be a stopgap solution, though if those are the alternatives, the Bruins might be more inclined to keep McQuaid.

RETURNING GOALTENDER NAME GP W L T SV% EV SV% ADJ SV% '15-16 CAP Tuukka Rask 70 34 21 13 0.922 0.931 0.925 $7.0M

FREE AGENT GOALTENDER NAME GP W L T SV% EV SV% ADJ SV% '14-15 CAP STATUS Niklas Svedberg 18 7 5 1 0.918 0.925 0.929 $600K RFA

Tuukka Rask wasn't as great as he had been during his Vezina-winning 2013-2014 season, but the 28-year-old is one of the best in the business, which provides a measure of stability as the Bruins try to sort out other issues throughout the lineup.

Since Niklas Svedberg has already opted to sign in the KHL, there is the possibility that Malcolm Subban could move into the backup role, if the Bruins are prepared for the 21-year-old to have that lesser workload. Through his first two AHL seasons, Subban has a .921 save percentage in 68 games.

TOP PROSPECTS PLAYER POS. GP G A PTS +/- TEAM (LEAGUE) Malcolm Subban G 35 0.921 Providence (AHL) A. Khokhlachev C 61 15 28 43 -2 Providence (AHL) Danton Heinen C 40 16 29 45 +19 Denver (NCHC) Ryan Donato C 8 5 5 10 -3 Omaha (USHL) Joe Morrow D 33 3 9 12 +4 Providence (AHL) Linus Arnesson D 41 0 5 5 -10 Djurgardens (SHL) Seth Griffith RW 39 12 19 31 -1 Providence (AHL) Matt Grzelcyk D 41 10 28 38 +32 Boston University (HE) Ryan Fitzgerald C 38 17 8 25 -4 Boston College (HE) Peter Cehlarik RW 46 6 13 19 +1 Lulea (SHL)

DRAFT

14th - Timo Meier, Nick Merkley, Kyle Connor, Pavel Zacha

FREE AGENCY

The Bruins have approximately $61.5M committed to the 2015-2016 salary cap for 16 players (including Marc Savard, who will go on LTIR).

NEEDS

Depth forwards, one top-four defenceman, backup goaltender, salary cap flexibility

WHAT I SAID THE BRUINS NEEDED LAST YEAR

One top-line forward, backup goaltender

THEY ADDED

Simon Gagne, Seth Griffith, Niklas Svedberg

TRADE MARKET

Milan Lucic, David Krejci, Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith, Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg

POSSIBLE 2015-2016 BOSTON BRUINS DEPTH CHART LEFT WING CENTRE RIGHT WING Brad Marchand Patrice Bergeron Reilly Smith Loui Eriksson David Krejci David Pastrnak Daniel Winnik Ryan Spooner Brett Connolly Chris Kelly Kyle Chipchura Max Talbot Emile Poirier Joonas Kemppainen Seth Griffith Justin Florek Alexander Khokhlachev Brian Ferlin

LEFT DEFENCE RIGHT DEFENCE GOALTENDER Zdeno Chara Dougie Hamilton Tuukka Rask Dennis Seidenberg Adam McQuaid Malcolm Subban Torey Krug Kevan Miller Dan Ellis Joe Morrow Zach Trotman Tyler Wotherspoon Linus Arnesson

Enhanced stats via www.war-on-ice.com.

(SAT% - shot attempt percentage; SAT%Rel - shot attempt percentage, relative to team when off the ice; SPSV% - combined on-ice shooting and save percentage; OZS% - percentage of faceoffs to start shift in the offensive zone vs. defensive zone)

Scott Cullen can be reached at scott.cullen@bellmedia.ca