The Boston Bruins are sitting pretty with over $20 million in cap space available as they finally head into the offseason. In order to increase the team’s overall depth, Don Sweeney plans to make some significant offseason acquisitions. He will be focusing on adding more bottom-six forwards, particularly a top-six center, who the team has been attempting to sign since Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci left last summer. Let’s examine the three free agent prospects that Sweeney and the Boston Bruins might want to pursue in the off-season.
Tyler Toffoli
Estimated Contract: $4 million over two years.
Veteran Tyler Toffoli is one player Sweeney is keeping an eye on in this off-season. After concluding his season with the Winnipeg Jets, Toffoli, 32, will be taking advantage of the free agent market. After a dismal season debut, he was traded to them by the New Jersey Devils at this year’s trade deadline.
Since entering the league during the 2012–2013 season, Toffoli has been a member of six different organizations. The Jets were his sixth. He was an L.A. Kings player and their two Stanley Cup victories. The Bruins should consider Toffoli as a forward option because he can play both left and right wing. In addition, he could score goals for Boston’s middle-six forward group.
Toffoli’s transitional offense isn’t the best. On the other hand, his shot can be useful when in the offensive zone. In particular, using his hockey IQ as a veteran to give his teammates opportunities. Either on the team’s second or third line, he could contribute more scoring.
Lindholm Elias
Estimated Contract: $6.5 million over five years.
Elias Lindholm has been on Sweeney’s radar since the previous off-season, and the Boston Bruins are in desperate need of a top-six center. Lindholm can play right wing or center, depending on the situation.
After being traded to the Calgary Flames for his fourth season, where he played alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, Lindholm began his career with the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2013–2014 campaign. With his two-way playmaking and ability to gain speed and create space during offensive transitions, Lindholm would make a fantastic addition to the Bruins’ top line, paired with superstar David Pastrnak.
Because of his speed in the open ice, Lindholm can also cause turnovers in the neutral zone. Additionally, Lindholm would give Boston much-needed faceoff support. which this past season was one of their team’s biggest weaknesses.
Marchessault, Jonathan
Estimated Contract: $6.2 million over three years.
For the past few seasons, this organization’s top concern has been depth scoring. putting it at the top of Boston’s free agency list. Veteran player Jonathan Marchessault has been playing very well lately. In particular, taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy, which is given to the playoff MVP, and the Stanley Cup with the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
Marchessault led the Golden Knights in scoring this season. In 82 games, he scored 42 goals, provided 27 assists, and totaled 69 points. He skates quickly, which is something this organization hasn’t had enough of. In addition, he is very sturdy considering his small height of 5’8. When it comes to offensive rushes against opposing teams and his quick shooting, Marchessault can be a serious threat. He isn’t afraid to fight for the puck in the corners and smash the net.
Alongside Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle, Marchessault is a player the Bruins could use as a second-line winger. This would give them another goal scorer who could also fill in as the point shooter for their second powerplay unit.
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