MUST READ: Five Potential Trade Candidates For The Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins Offseason Priorities: Aggressive Free Agency and Potential Trades.

As the offseason begins for the Boston Bruins, General Manager Don Sweeney has made it clear that the team will be “aggressive” in free agency. With the goal of becoming a top Stanley Cup contender during the 2024-25 season, the Bruins are just a couple of moves away from achieving that status.

However, when it comes to the trade market, the Bruins have limited assets to use in a deal to add a major piece to their roster. With only three draft picks available from rounds four through six in this year’s draft and a lack of enticing prospects, the Bruins’ options are somewhat restricted.

One potential trade piece that could generate interest from other teams is goaltender Linus Ullmark. Entering the last year of his four-year deal, Ullmark, a former Vezina Trophy winner, could be used by the Bruins to pull off a solid hockey trade. However, half of the league is on his no-trade list, which may limit the number of potential suitors.

Despite these challenges, the Bruins are actively exploring ways to improve their roster through free agency and potential trades. As they navigate the offseason landscape, here are five candidates that the Bruins could target to bolster their team and make a strong push for the Stanley Cup in the upcoming season.

Acquiring Leon Draisaitl.

The idea of the Boston Bruins acquiring Leon Draisaitl is a tantalizing one, but let’s be realistic – it’s a long shot. Draisaitl is a top-five player in the NHL, making a significant amount of money, and his contract expires after next season. There are rumors that the Edmonton Oilers might not re-sign him, making him a coveted free agent.

Acquiring Draisaitl would be a game-changer for the Bruins, addressing their need for a top-tier center and providing a significant boost to their offense. However, the question remains: do the Bruins have enough assets to trade for him? And are they willing to part with a valuable piece like Mason Lohrei?

While it’s fun to imagine the Bruins landing Draisaitl, it’s unlikely they have the necessary pieces to make such a deal happen. The Oilers would likely demand a significant return, including top prospects and high draft picks. The Bruins would need to be willing to part with some of their most valuable assets, which might not be feasible.

For now, this scenario remains a pipe dream, but it’s an intriguing thought experiment that highlights the Bruins’ need for a top-tier center and the challenges they face in acquiring one.

Martin Necas: A Rising Star in the NHL.

Martin Necas, the 25-year-old center for the Carolina Hurricanes, has emerged as a potential trade target for the Boston Bruins this offseason. The Bruins are in need of a younger forward with speed and offensive talent, particularly if they lose Jake DeBrusk to free agency.

According to Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Bruins had trade discussions with the Hurricanes about goaltender Linus Ullmark at the trade deadline. This suggests that the two teams have an open line of communication and could potentially work out a deal involving Necas.

Necas, the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, is coming off a strong season with the Hurricanes. He scored 24 goals and added 29 assists in 77 regular season games, while also contributing four goals and five assists in 11 playoff games. His combination of speed, skill, and offensive production make him an attractive target for the Bruins.

However, acquiring Necas may not be easy, as he is a restricted free agent and will require a new contract. The Hurricanes may be reluctant to part with a talented young player like Necas, especially if they believe he has the potential to be a core piece of their team for years to come.

The Bruins may need to get creative in their approach to acquiring Necas, potentially involving Ullmark or other assets in a trade package. The Hurricanes could also be interested in Necas as part of a larger deal that addresses their own needs, such as on defense.

Ultimately, while Necas may be a more realistic target for the Bruins compared to some other high-profile players, any potential trade will require careful negotiation and a willingness from both teams to make a deal work. The Bruins will need to weigh the potential cost of acquiring Necas against the potential benefits he could bring to their team.

Bruins Linked to Jakob Chychrun Again.

The Boston Bruins have been connected to Jakob Chychrun, a 24-year-old defenseman for the Ottawa Senators, in the past. According to reports, the Bruins are interested in acquiring Chychrun, who would join Hampus Lindholm and Mason Lohrei to form a strong left defense trio. Chychrun is known for his offensive skills and would need to be re-signed, likely at a salary of $6-7 million annually.

Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney has expressed admiration for Chychrun, and a deal could be back on the table if Linus Ullmark’s no-trade list allows it. The Senators acquired Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes in a recent trade, and he has two years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.6 million.

Islanders Considering Moving on from Brock Nelson.

Speculation is rife that the New York Islanders may be contemplating the possibility of trading Brock Nelson during this offseason. Nelson, aged 32, is heading into the final season of a six-year, $36 million contract. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 210 pounds, the forward had an impressive performance in the previous season, scoring 34 goals and tallying 35 assists in 82 regular-season games.

During the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Nelson contributed two goals and two assists in the Islanders’ five-game series loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Notably, he has maintained a consistent level of performance, scoring at least 30 goals in each of the last three seasons. In his career spanning 840 regular-season games, Nelson has recorded 275 goals and 256 assists, along with 27 goals and 23 assists in 78 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Cirelli a Potential Trade Candidate for Bruins.

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Anthony Cirelli is a viable trade candidate due to his $6.25 million salary cap hit and lack of trade protection. Additionally, the Lightning are facing a cap dilemma after trading defenseman Ryan McDonagh and still needing to sign center Steven Stamkos. Cirelli’s contract includes a full no-trade clause in 2025-26, making him a more attractive option for the Bruins.

The Bruins could benefit from Cirelli’s services, as he is a reliable NHL center who scored 20 goals and 25 assists in 79 games last season. He is also a perennial Selke Award candidate for best defensive forward. If the Bruins cannot find a more offensive center, they could consider trading for Cirelli.

The Bruins have needs at center and left defense, and the trade market could be the way to address these needs. With goaltender Linus Ullmark being one of their few assets, the Bruins may need to make a move before the June draft to fill these gaps.