With NHL free agency officially opening Wednesday at noon, here are some intriguing possibilities for the Bruins
The NHL’s offseason high drama kicks off at high noon Wednesday.
That’s when teams can officially ink unrestricted free agents to new contracts, large and small, before the league goes into its summer hibernation.
The groundwork for deals, however, is laid well in advance as feelers are put out by teams and agents to gauge interest. Deals are often sealed with a wink and a nod before pen hits paper on July 1.
There was a lot of trade activity in the lead-up, cutting into team’s salary caps, and that could lead to less-lucrative contracts being dished out. More trades could happen Wednesday.
The Bruins jumped into the offseason overhaul by trading for Utah sniper JJ Peterka Friday. Barring another swap (Edmonton defender Darnell Nurse is the latest white-hot rumor), general manager Don Sweeney will most certainly make at least one significant signing to address a need — the most pressing being a right-shot defenseman.
Here’s a look at the most intriguing UFA possibilities for the Bruins, who have approximately $7.75 million in cap space, a number that seems to fluctuate daily.
Defensemen
Rasmus Andersson, RH.
The biggest blue-chipper on the blue-line market, Andersson was traded midseason from Calgary to Las Vegas, but the Golden Knights couldn’t get his name on a long-term contract. They are likely still trying.
The Bruins made a pitch for Andersson in late January, but their pursuit ended when he refused to sign an extension. They will kick the tires again.
Despite an underwhelming Stanley Cup Final, Andersson will have suitors. The 29-year-old Swede is historically a consistent defender who plays with some snarl. He could command an $8 million-plus average annual value.
John Carlson, RH.
The Massachusetts legend (OK, we exaggerate, he was a Bay Stater until age 5) is 36 but still playing at an above-average level. He wants to come back East after helping Anaheim down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Carlson would bring consistent defense along with excellent offensive pop. He could quarterback Boston’s power play (he loves to unload from the point) while providing veteran leadership in the room. He was Alex Ovechkin’s alternate captain and best buddy in Washington.
Carolina gets first crack at singing him (the champion Hurricanes traded for his rights), but it’s not a guarantee he moves to Raleigh. Carlson may ask for $10 million AAV on a short-term pact, but he’ll earn every dime.
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Andrew Peeke, RH.
Peeke competes. Watching pretty much every shift he’s taken the last two-plus seasons, it’s an undeniable fact. Sure, there’s hiccups, but Peeke will break up plays in the neutral zone, battle hard in his end (particularly near the blue paint), and can lug the puck.
Peeke, 28, is one of the most beloved dudes in the locker room and chemistry is often an undervalued element in a team’s success.
Under the radar move: Ryan Shea. A left-shot defenseman, the Milton native is coming off a top-notch season with the Penguins, collecting six goals and 35 points in 80 games.
Forwards
Viktor Arvidsson, RW.
The Peterka acquisition may have spelled doom for Arvidsson’s return to Boston, but Sweeney hasn’t ruled it out — and that’s a good thing.
Arvidsson has a nonstop motor and isn’t shy about getting to the greasy areas. Arvidsson is always around the puck and the net, and he was part of Boston’s most consistent line last season with Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt. No telling how the Sabres series might have turned out had Arvidsson not suffered a rib injury. It forced Marco Sturm to juggle his lines.
Arvidsson, 33, raved about his season in Boston and, similar to Peeke, he fit in well with the group. He earned $4 million last season and is in line for a raise. How much? Likely $5 million-$6 million AAV.
Vladimir Tarasenko, RW.
A slick and savvy veteran, Tarasenko, 34, collected 23 goals and 47 points for the Wild last season. A proven playoff performer (51 goals, 78 points in 132 games), he’s won the Stanley Cup with the Blues (sorry, Bruins fans) and Panthers (again, sorry).
Patrick Kane, RW.
Wouldn’t this be fun? Kane still has a blistering one-timer, but he’s no one-trick pony. He sees the ice extremely well and puts his teammates in great positions (41 assists last season). He’s 37 and has had some injuries, so perhaps his money demands won’t be outrageous.
Under the radar move: Boone Jenner. The 33-year-old center is an excellent leader and solid 200-foot player. The Columbus captain feasted on the Bruins in the past. File under: If you can’t beat him, join him.
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