Marat Khusnutdinov is shaping up to be a player to watch for the Boston Bruins in the 2025-26 season. After a year of adjustment to the NHL, the young forward appears poised to make a significant impact.
Khusnutdinov's journey to the Bruins wasn't a straight line. Drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the second round (37th overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, he came to North America after playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with SKA St. Petersburg and HK Sochi. He began the 2024-25 season with Minnesota before being traded to Boston along with Jakub Lauko and a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Justin Brazeau.
In his first year in North America, Khusnutdinov split time between the Wild and the Bruins, gaining valuable experience. He played a total of 75 games, recording five goals and seven assists for 12 points. Of those, 18 games were with Boston, where he tallied three goals and two assists. While these numbers might not jump off the page, they represent a solid start for a young player adjusting to a new league and a new team.
The Bruins clearly see potential in Khusnutdinov, as evidenced by the two-year contract extension they signed him to in June 2025. The contract, which runs through the 2026-27 season, carries an annual cap hit of $925,000, demonstrating the team's investment in his future.
Several factors suggest that Khusnutdinov could be in for a breakout season in 2025-26. He now has a full year of NHL experience under his belt, allowing him to better understand the pace and physicality of the game. He's had more time to integrate into the Bruins' system and build chemistry with his teammates. At 22 years old, he is entering the prime years of his development, where a noticeable leap in performance is not uncommon.
Khusnutdinov's strengths lie in his two-way play, hockey sense, and skating ability. He is responsible in the defensive zone and has the offensive skills to contribute. His versatility allows him to play in different roles and adapt to various linemates, which is a valuable asset for any team.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Khusnutdinov has the opportunity to take on a more prominent role with the Bruins. With increased ice time and power-play opportunities, he could significantly improve his offensive output. His work ethic and determination, combined with his growing confidence, should serve him well.
Bruins fans should be excited about the prospect of seeing Marat Khusnutdinov take his game to the next level in the upcoming season. He has the potential to become a key contributor for the team for many years to come.
