The Boston Bruins have had a whirlwind offseason, making significant moves and reshaping their roster in preparation for the upcoming season. The team traded their star goaltender, Linus Ullmark, to the Ottawa Senators and signed forward Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov to substantial contracts. In addition, several free agents have departed, and the Bruins have yet to finalize a new deal with Jeremy Swayman. While much of the remaining salary cap seems reserved for Swayman’s potential extension, the Bruins might still be exploring ways to bolster their roster. General Manager Don Sweeney could revisit the possibility of bringing back some familiar faces who remain available on the market.
With the lineup for the 2024-25 season still uncertain, it’s challenging to predict how the team will look before training camp and preseason games commence. Several players, including Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov, are expected to compete for prominent roles and might secure top-six positions. The Bruins’ decision to let players like Jake DeBrusk, Matt Grzelcyk, Danton Heinen, Derek Forbort, and Pat Maroon sign with other teams reflects their confidence in the current roster and their willingness to explore new opportunities.
At present, the Bruins have a wealth of NHL-caliber talent suited for bottom-six roles. Yet, an intriguing player still seeking a contract is James van Riemsdyk. Many Bruins fans once envisioned van Riemsdyk joining the team during his peak years, and while he did sign with the Bruins last offseason, it was after David Krejci’s retirement. Although van Riemsdyk, now 35, is not as dynamic as he once was, he still demonstrated value last season with 11 goals and 38 points in 71 games. As a versatile player with a strong power play presence, he could be a valuable addition to any team. Given his past with the Bruins, a one-year deal with Boston might be a viable option, but the team must weigh this against the potential benefits of giving younger players a chance.
Another free agent linked to the Bruins is Kevin Shattenkirk. The Boston University alum seemed like a fitting choice for the team due to his right-shot defense and offensive capabilities. Despite a stronger performance in Boston compared to his previous stint in Anaheim, Shattenkirk was seen as a rotational defender by the end of the season. With a solid defensive lineup already in place, including Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Brandon Carlo, Andrew Peeke, Mason Lohrei, and Parker Wotherspoon, Shattenkirk could serve as insurance as the eighth defender. If he doesn’t find a better opportunity elsewhere, a minimum contract with the Bruins could be beneficial for both sides.
However, the Bruins have numerous players already vying for positions, and adding another veteran might seem redundant. As the team continues to finalize its roster, the preseason will provide clarity and excitement as the Bruins assess their options and determine the best path forward.
Leave a Reply