“Aggressive” free agency is what the Bruins general manager promises to do.
“Aggressive” free agency is what the Bruins general manager promises to do.
Although the Bruins are in a much different place than they were at the start of the previous offseason, there are still a lot of unanswered concerns when free agency gets underway. The Boston Bruins are starting a vital offseason after losing in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Brad Marchand, Pavel Zacha, Charlie Coyle, and David Pastrnak make up the Bruins’ strong core. Signing Jeremy Swayman to a long-term contract and adding players who can assist with speed and scoring—areas where Boston underperformed during its postseason run—are top priorities for the upcoming offseason.
With almost $21 million in cap space, Don Sweeney is confident that his team will be able to make the necessary additions in the offseason.
General manager Don Sweeney stated at TD Garden on Wednesday, “We are in a position where we can look to add to our core group of guys, and that also includes some of the younger guys.” But in order to be able to supplement what we presently have in some areas, we’re going to be proactive.
The Bruins must choose whether to let go of a number of unrestricted free agents or attempt to resign them. Jake DeBrusk, who acknowledged he was a little shocked he hadn’t signed an extension with Boston before the season, is at the top of the list. Although they adopted a “aggressive position” with the forward, according to Sweeney, “negotiations are a two-way street.”
Danton Heinen, Pat Maroon, Matt Grzelcyk, Derek Forbort, James van Riemsdyk, and Kevin Shattenkirk are among the other unrestricted free agents. Not all of the UFAs, including those with Providence, will be able to return, but Sweeney stated he has spoken with all of the prospective free agents about their visions for the team and their potential futures.
“We haven’t made any final, concrete decisions, but I’ve had conversations with all of our upcoming free agents, giving them an indication of where we’re leading,” he stated. “We need to look through our forthcoming meetings and then piece the jigsaw puzzle together as we see appropriate. I’ve given some gamers a general idea of where to go, but nothing specific.
Regarding Maroon specifically, Sweeney said that the veteran forward, whom the Bruins acquired before this year’s trade deadline, will depend mostly on his health.
Sweeney urged the younger players, especially Matt Poitras, to step up, even though the Bruins have enough financial space to make some moves that will undoubtedly strengthen the club. The rookie center’s season was cut short by a surgery-related shoulder injury. Even with young players like Mason Lohrei and Johnny Beecher breaking through for Boston last season, Sweeney is aware that he must select individuals who will help the Bruins reach their ultimate objective without undermining the culture they have worked so hard to establish.
