After A Historic Season: The Bruins Have A Very Interesting Off-Season Ahead Of Them

As free agency approaches in a little over a month, NHL teams are eagerly preparing for the opportunity to strengthen their rosters. Numerous impact players are set to hit the open market in July, while teams also face the task of re-signing key restricted free agents. Today, we take a closer look at the Boston Bruins' free agent situation.

Key Restricted Free Agents

Forward

Trent Frederic

had an impressive season, earning a full-time role on the Bruins' roster. Considering the team's record-breaking 65-win regular season, this is quite an accomplishment. Drafted in the late first round in 2016, the 25-year-old center showcased his skills with 17 goals and 31 points. Despite playing on the fourth line, he provided an offensive boost. Having completed a two-year contract worth slightly over $1 million per season, Frederic will be seeking a substantial raise, along with a more prominent role on the ice. With arbitration rights and his impressive offensive numbers, he could potentially negotiate a salary between $2.5 million and $3 million.

Goaltender

Jeremy Swayman

, although technically the backup, saw considerable action for the league-leading Bruins, appearing in 37 games. He displayed impressive stats with a 2.27 goals against average (GAA) and a .920 save percentage (SV%). While he is still completing his entry-level contract, the 24-year-old has already played 88 NHL games, maintaining a 2.24 GAA and .920 SV% throughout his career. With such strong performances, Swayman has a solid case for a significant raise from his current $925,000 salary. A short-term deal around $3 million would provide him the opportunity to further prove himself before securing a more lucrative long-term contract.

Key Unrestricted Free Agents

Forward

Patrice Bergeron

, a perennial Selke Trophy nominee and likely winner, continues to assert himself as the game's premier defensive forward. However, the question remains whether the 37-year-old will continue playing or consider retirement. He played the recent season on a one-year contract with a cap hit of $2.5 million, totaling $5 million with bonuses included. Undoubtedly worth every penny, Bergeron faces the decision of signing another team-friendly deal or potentially retiring after a remarkable career with the Bruins.

Likewise, forward

David Krejci

, who played on a team-friendly contract last season, is also contemplating the end of his playing career. With a salary of only $1 million and $2 million in bonuses, the 37-year-old center delivered solid performances with 16 goals and 56 points in 70 games. Having spent the 2021-22 season in Czechia, there is a possibility he may return there for the upcoming season.

Forward

Tyler Bertuzzi

, acquired by the Bruins at the trade deadline, may be in for a significant payday if he opts to test the open market this offseason. He seamlessly integrated into the Boston lineup, tallying 16 points in 21 regular season games and ten points in seven playoff games. Renowned for his scrappy style of play, Bertuzzi offers much more than just offensive contributions. Given the relatively weak free agent class, he stands to benefit from a substantial contract. After an impressive 30-goal, 62-point season in 68 games in 2021-22, the 28-year-old winger, who earned $4.75 million over the past two seasons, is likely aiming for an additional $2 million on his next contract. The Bruins must decide whether to commit to such a significant investment in a winger or allocate their cap space towards acquiring centers.

Forward

Nick Foligno

who signed a two-year contract with the Bruins in 2021, may have been overpaid during that period. Nevertheless, he fulfilled a valuable

Source: Prohockeyrumors