Exclusive: The Boston Bruins have five possible free agents that are left-handed defensemen.
Exclusive: The Boston Bruins have five possible free agents that are left-handed defensemen.
The Boston Bruins made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs’ second round, which some would argue was an overachievement this past season. The Boston Bruins finished second in the Atlantic Division, one point shy of winning the division, despite the predictions of many analysts that they would contend for a postseason berth. The Bruins will have about twenty-one million dollars to spend this offseason, with the option to acquire goalie Linus Ullmark in order to free up an additional five million. To say that Boston is having a significant summer would be an understatement. The Bruins might be able to reclaim the Stanley Cup with a few clever moves.
What then ought to be done by Bruins general manager Don Sweeney with the additional funds and resources? Undoubtedly, we need a top-six center. A winger who can score goals would be a great asset. But left defense can be a sneaky gap to cover. In the postseason, rookie Mason Lohrei showed great potential, and Hampus Lindholm is a minute-eater. Parker Wotherspoon is a left-handed player, but depth might require another defenseman. Five free agency choices are as follows:
Alec Martinez, 36, is a Vegas Golden Knights left defenseman.
Despite his advanced age, Martinez has been a reliable defenseman with three Stanley Cup victories. Only once in his career has he played 82 games, and that was seven years ago. His minutes were down this postseason. Due to age and injuries, there has been conjecture that Martinez may think about retiring. Martinez, though, might be a decent acquisition for Boston on a short-term basis. The 2007 fourth-round draft selection, who had 244 two seasons prior, is a formidable shot blocker.
Brady Skjei (30) – Carolina Hurricanes – Left Defense
Skjei, who scored eighteen goals last season, including eleven on the power play, has developed into a goal-scoring defenseman. In addition to playing a lot of minutes, the 2012 first-round selection scored 47 points this season, a career high. Skjei’s previous contract had a $5.25 million yearly salary cap hit and lasted six years. The 210-pound, 6-foot-3 defenceman will probably be asking for a raise. Does he fit in with the Bruins? Should the team not let go of Hampus Lindholm, the price could prove to be excessive.
TJ Brodie (33) – Toronto Maple Leafs – Left Defense
Although Brodie, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound defenseman, does not currently have much offensive ability (he turns 34 in June), he still plays 22 minutes a game and blocks a lot of shots. Having played in just one playoff game this postseason, he will find it difficult to earn the $5 million per year that was his previous contract. Wotherspoon might be able to move to seventh defenseman if the Bruins can figure out a less expensive deal.
Detroit Red Wings’ (31), left defense player Shayne Gostisbehere
This talented offensive defensemen, selected third overall in 2012, finished 81 games with 10 goals and 46 assists. Though not very big, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound blueliner can provide Boston another puck-moving option and may even take Matt Grzelcyk’s place in the lineup. Gostisbehere may decide to go back to Detroit, but if not, the Bruins might be a good fit for him at the proper cost.
St. Louis Blues’ 34-year-old left defenseman Marco Scandella
Scandella is an experienced individual who can provide Wotherspoon with insurance or share time. Despite his lack of offensive production, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound player will be a dependable physical presence. Scandella played just more than 12 minutes a game this season, therefore he should be in the third pairing. In addition, he could see a sizable pay decrease from the $3.275 million a year he was making under his previous contract.
The Bruins have the financial means to get the offensive support they need, but having another left-shot defensemen would provide depth and insurance in case Lohrei has a sophomore setback.
