The Bruins have no choice but to move a player
The Boston Bruins made some progress in managing their salary cap, with recent signings leaving them with approximately $3.8 million in cap space.
However, the team still needs to secure contracts for restricted free agents Jeremy Swayman, Trent Frederic, and Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson. Swayman's arbitration hearing is scheduled for July 30, while Frederic's is set for August 1.
Both Swayman and Frederic are expected to receive significant raises based on their impressive performances last season.
The projected contracts for the players would require the Bruins to make trades to free up the necessary cap space.
General Manager Don Sweeney faces the challenge of signing both players while staying within the limited cap space available.
Trade speculation surrounding goalie Linus Ullmark, defensemen Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort, and winger Taylor Hall circulated during the offseason.
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However, Sweeney has expressed a commitment to Ullmark and Grzelcyk, dismissing rumors about potential trades.
This suggests that Forbort, a third-pairing defenseman with a $3 million cap hit, may become the trade candidate to create additional cap space.
The NHL trade market has been relatively quiet since the start of free agency, but discussions may intensify closer to training camp and the arbitration hearings for Swayman and Frederic.
Sweeney may be compelled to make a move to accommodate the contracts of his remaining restricted free agents and ensure the team's financial stability.
