The Boston Bruins are finally entering an offseason where they are sitting comfortably with over $20 million in cap space available. Don Sweeney is looking to make some big acquisitions this offseason to improve the team’s overall depth by targeting more bottom-six forwards, and specifically a top-six centre which the team has been trying to acquire since the departures of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci last summer. Let’s dive into three potential free agent options that Sweeney and the Boston Bruins could potentially target this off-season.
3 Potential Free Agent Targets for The Boston Bruins
Tyler Toffoli
Projected Contract: 2 years, $4 million.
One player that Sweeney is keeping an eye on this off-season is veteran Tyler Toffoli. Toffoli, 32 will be testing the open market after finishing this season with the Winnipeg Jets. He was dealt to them at this year’s deadline from the New Jersey Devils after a disappointing start to the season.
The Jets were Toffoli’s 6th organization he’s been a part of since joining the league during the 2012-2013 season. He played for the L.A Kings and won 2 Stanley Cups with them. Toffoli is a forward option that the Bruins can look into as he is able to play both left and right wing. Additionally, he could provide goal scoring in the middle-six of Boston’s forward core.
Toffoli isn’t the best with transitional offence. However, when in the offensive zone his shot can be effective. Especially providing chances for his teammates with his veteran level hockey IQ. He would be able to bring to the team more scoring either on the teams’ 2nd or 3rd line.
Elias Lindholm
Projected Contract: 5 years, $6.5 million.
The Boston Bruins have been in desperate need of a top-six centre, and Elias Lindholm has been on Sweeney’s radar since last off-season. Lindholm is a right shot centreman who is capable of playing right wing as well.
Lindholm started his career with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2013-2014 season and then was eventually traded to the Calgary Flames, and during his 4th season there he averaged a point per game alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk. Lindholm’s two way style of play, and his ability to create space and gain speed during offensive transitions, would be a good fit alongside superstar David Pastrnak on the top line for the Bruins.
Lindholm is also able to create turnovers in the neutral zone with his quickness in the open ice. Lindholm would also provide Boston with much needed faceoff help. Which was one of their team’s biggest weaknesses this past season.
Jonathan Marchessault
Projected Contract: 3 years, $6.2 million.
Depth Scoring has been this organizations biggest concern over the past couple of seasons. Making it one of Boston’s top targets this free agency. Jonathan Marchessault is a veteran player who has had a lot of success recently. Specifically winning the Stanley Cup with the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, and also the Conn Smythe trophy which is awarded to the MVP of the entire playoffs.
This season Marchessault led the Golden Knights in scoring. He put up 42 goals, 27 assists and a total of 69 points in 82 games. He is a quick skater which is something this organization has been lacking. Furthermore, he is extremely durable for only being 5’8. Marchessault can be a major problem against other teams when it comes to offensive rushes while having a quick shot. He isn’t scared to crash the net and battle in the corners for the puck.
Marchessault is a player that could be used as a second-line winger for the Bruins alongside Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle, and would give them another goal scorer that could also slide in and be the sharpshooter for their second powerplay unit.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
