Ex-Boston Bruin fan favourite makes a return: Three teams emerge as candidates
Photo credit: The Hockey News
Former Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is still a remaining free agent, and now three new teams have emerged as candidates to land him before the beginning of the new season.
Michael DeRosa of the Hockey News believes that Grzelcyk is the best remaining free agent on the market, and it's kind of mind blowing that he hasn't landed a new deal.
Grzelcyk had a career year with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 1 goal, setting a new career high in assists with 39, and points with 40 in 82 games with the Penguins.
Three teams emerge as candidates to land Grzelcyk
DeRosa has listed three teams that he believes could sign Matt Grzelcyk to a contract before the beginning of the NHL season, with the first being the Avalanche.
«If the Avalanche signed Grzelcyk to a short-term deal, he could fit very nicely on their bottom pairing with either Burns, Malinski or Josh Manson. If the Avalanche use him as a seventh defenseman, he could come into the lineup over shutdown D-man Keaton Middleton when they need an extra bit of offensive punch. He also has experience playing in a more significant role, averaging 20:37 in ice time last season, so he would give the Avalanche another player who could move up the lineup when injuries arise.»
The Chicago Blackhawks are the second team, as he could be a mentor for their younger defenseman.
«[T]hey could benefit by adding another veteran blueliner to help mentor their youngsters while moving the needle on the ice. Signing Grzelcyk would provide them with just that, the way 35-year-old TJ Brodie couldn't quite accomplish as one of Chicago's veteran blueliners last season.»
Lastly, he suggested the Calgary Flames as another option, especially if they do end up trading away Rasmus Andersson.
«If the Flames signed Grzelcyk, he could at least be a nice upgrade over Jake Bean on their third pairing. However, depending on who ends up making the Flames' opening night roster, Grzelcyk could also be a potential fit on their second pairing and power play if signed.»
Only one team will be able to sign him to a new deal, and it'll be interesting to see what team that is.
Previously on Bruins Insider
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