Free agents will be a way to improve talent next season when the Bruins hope to leave behind a tragic 2024-25 behind them.
Currently, Boston is expected to have nearly $29 million in blocking space, and they should have the money to spend this summer even after re-signing with Morgan Geekie and a few lower RFAs.
So how will they invest?
Although CEO Charlie Jacobs said he hopes Bruins will return to the playoffs next season, President Cam Neely seems to admit things may take longer, keeping the bigger goal in mind. Boston is rebuilding for a long time.
"The biggest thing for me is that I don't want everyone to focus on the playoffs," Neilly said. "Yes, we do want to make the playoffs, but we have to keep in mind that it's not just about getting into the playoffs. It's not just about getting into the first round. We're here to understand that we have to build a team that will compete for the Stanley Cup."
With that in mind, for these free agent goals, we will focus on young players. Yes, there are experienced veterans like Brad Marchand (36), Matt Duchene (34) and Patrick Kane (36), but historically these players are more likely to sign short-term deals to chase the Stanley Cup.
That's not Boston. Therefore, for this exercise, the deadline will be 30 years old.
Without further ado, here are seven free agent goals under 30:
Age: 27
2024-25: 81 gp, 27 g, 75 a
Marner is undoubtedly the best player, the best contract that can help the Bruins recompetitive much earlier than expected.
The good news is that such players are not always able to enter free agents. Bad news? Everyone in the league knows how good the Maple Leafs’ winger is and there will be a bidding war. Landing in Marner is the best case for Boston, but that will cost them.
Age: 29
2024-25: 69 GP, 24 g, 39 a
The Danish forward is Winnipeg's consistent mode, scoring more than 20 goals in eight consecutive (full) NHL seasons. He also has to do this in the same year. Playing on a wing opposite David Pastrnak, it would be fascinating to see how high the Ehlers are.
Age: 28
2024-25: 76 gp, 25 g, 26 a
If Brad Marchand could go from Florida hatred to love, could Sam Bennett do the same in Boston? Bennett is a tough assessment given the talent around the Panthers, but the Bruins have learned firsthand that the wingers in the Sandbank field may compete with it. He also brought the Stanley Cup ring into the dressing room at TD Garden.
Age: 28
2024-25: 75 gp, 25 g, 25 a
Boeser is one of the deadliest snipers in the NHL who can help lift a brutal Bruins Power Play, ranked 29th in the league last season (15.2%). 2024 - After falling with the Canucks in 25, the 6-foot-1, 207-pound winger may look for a change of scenery.
Age: 26
2024-25: 68 GP, 9 g, 17 a
With Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov signing contracts, defense is not an obvious demand for the Bruins by the forwards, but they can still win their top four with reliable players.
Age: 29
2024-25:80 gp, 31 g, 31 a
Yes, that Ryan Donato.
After several productive seasons at the Western Conference, the former Harvard and Bruins' prospects did break out with 31 goals in Chicago this year. He has never exceeded 20 goals before. Donato may not be on a free agent, which shows that the Blackhawks didn't trade him by the trade deadline - but his development is impressive.
Age: 27
2024-25: 72 GP, 4 g, 18 a
Lindgren will hit free agents while talking about old friends and satisfy the same second pair of blanks as Fabbro. Lindgren traded with the Rangers in Rick Nash's trade, and recorded 19 minutes a night with the Avalanche this season. He won't light up the scoring list, but can help fill the gap left by Brandon Carlo.