Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are a professional hockey team based in Boston, playing in the NHL as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1924, they are the third-oldest active team in the NHL and one of the league's Original Six teams. They play their home games at the TD Garden.

Boston Bruins History

In 1924, the NHL expanded to the United States, making the Boston Bruins one of its first expansion teams and the first U.S.-based team in the league. As one of the Original Six teams, they share this distinction with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The team’s name, “Bruins,” was chosen by general manager Art Ross and refers to brown bears commonly featured in folk tales. Their colors—brown and yellow—were inspired by team owner Charles Adams and his grocery chain, First National Stores.

Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Wins

After a rough inaugural season, the Bruins improved significantly in their second and third years. In 1927, the collapse of the Western Hockey League (WHL) allowed them to sign several star players. Although the Bruins lost the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1927-28 season, they captured their first championship the following year. Since their founding, the Bruins have won six Stanley Cups: in 1928-29, 1938-39, 1940-41, 1969-70, 1971-72, and 2010-11.

Boston Bruins Captains

Sprague Cleghorn was the first captain of the Boston Bruins, serving from 1925 to 1928. Zdeno Chara holds the record as the longest-serving captain in team history, leading the team for 14 years from 2006 to 2020. Since 2023, Brad Marchand has been the Bruins’ captain.

Boston Bruins’ Most Famous Players

The Boston Bruins have retired 12 jersey numbers to honor their legendary players:

• Eddie Shore (2)
• Lionel Hitchman (3)
• Bobby Orr (4)
• Aubrey "Dit" Clapper (5)
• Phil Esposito (7)
• Cam Neely (8)
• Johnny Bucyk (9)
• Milt Schmidt (15)
• Rick Middleton (16)
• Willie O’Ree (22)
• Terry O’Reilly (24)
• Ray Bourque (77)

Notably, the Bruins are the only Original Six team that has not retired the No. 1 jersey.
Ray Bourque leads the franchise in all-time points, while Johnny Bucyk holds the record for most goals.

Boston Bruins’ Best Active Players

Among active players, Brad Marchand is the Bruins’ all-time leader in points and goals. David Pastrnak ranks second in goals and points among active players and is also the team’s highest-paid player, with an $11,250,000 average annual value (AAV).

Boston Bruins Celebrity Fans

The Boston Bruins boast a passionate fan base, including several celebrities. Among their most notable fans is Adam Sandler, who famously donned a Bruins jersey in the iconic movie Happy Gilmore. Despite growing up in New Hampshire, Sandler remains a loyal supporter of the Bruins.