How will the Bruins attack the offseason? Let’s examine ways they could enhance their forward group.
First in a three-part series on the Bruins’ offseason
Secondary scoring had long been a primary problem for the Bruins.
Historically, a top-heavy first line accounted for the lion’s share of scoring, followed by a plucky second line, and a bottom six of grinders who could bury opponents but struggled to bury their offensive opportunities.
It was initially a concern heading into the 2025-26 season, but Marco Sturm’s charges surprised. Sure, David Pastrnak (29 goals) and Morgan Geekie (39) filled the nets as expected, but others added surprising pop.
Pavel Zacha (30) and Viktor Arvidsson (25) topped the list, but the quintet of Elias Lindholm (17), Fraser Minten (17), Casey Mittelstadt (15), Marat Khusnutdinov (15), and Mark Kastelic (12) provided surprising punch.
Still, more is needed.
General manager Don Sweeney and his staff can attack this need internally (via development, promotions, and the draft) and/or externally (via free agency, or a significant trade or two).
Here are a few ways the franchise can go this summer:
1. The safety squeeze — Retaining unrestricted free agent Arvidsson to play right wing would allow Sturm to keep his second line (with Zacha in the middle and Mittelstadt on the left) intact.
The trio clicked early, and was not only productive offensively but was often deployed against opponents’ top lines.
The 33-year-old Arvidsson at say, four years at $5.5 million per, would be mutually beneficially. Arvidsson would get some security, and the Bruins would keep a speedy, skilled puck-hunting hound who has no problem busting through to the blue ice.
“He’s one of those drivers who kind of goes through to the tough areas,” Sturm said at the end of the playoff run.
Arvidsson has said on multiple occasions that he enjoyed his season in Boston — on and off the ice — and that feels like it will weigh heavily in his July 1 decision.
2. The home run — Sign UFA Scott Laughton to plug in as the third-line center, allowing Minten to move to the top spot.
Laughton (let’s say, three years for $12 million total) is a smart player who is responsible in all three zones. He’s also a leader and a quality penalty killer. Can’t have enough of those.
3. The grand slam — Swing a trade for Brady Tkachuk.
Yes, the story that will never die despite myriad denials from every corner of Ontario, from Parry Sound to Owen Sound.
Tkachuk has two seasons left on a seven-year deal that pays the power forward $8.2 million per annum. If he makes it clear his days in O, Canada are up when the contract expires (see Tkachuk, Matthew, Calgary), it would behoove the Senators to maximize their return.
The Bruins have the capital to make a strong push for the 26-year-old Tkachuk, whose playing style closely resembles that of his pops, Keith. Boston’s playoff theme was “Toughness is Tradition,” and few players fit that description better than Tkachuk.
Plop him on the top line and place a “C” on his sweater, and the franchise would have its face for the next decade.
4. Extra bases — Zacha has one year left on his deal that comes with $4.75 million cap hit. The center also is among the league leaders when it comes to trade rumors. But barring a seismic trade, Boston would be better suited to lock up the 29-year-old, who just set career highs in goals and points (65).
Zacha is a diligent 200-foot player who excels on the power play and the penalty kill. A seven-year pact for $8-$8.5 million annually seems like a nice landing spot.
⋅ While we’re cutting checks, how about another seven-year agreement with Minten for $50 million total. The baby-faced pivot earned Sturm’s trust early and put together an exceptional rookie season (35 points, plus-21). Minten was among Boston’s best penalty killers, and he is currently starring for Team Canada at the World Championship.
⋅ In a perfect world, James Hagens would earn a spot out of camp — say, third-line left wing — and the Bruins would stick with him through thick and thin.
It was just a cup of coffee, but Hagens showed speed, skill, and smarts this spring. Opponents will test his mettle, but Hagens looked more than willing to get to the greasy areas. Anyone keeping an eye on the World Championship has surely noticed Hagens isn’t afraid to stick his nose into the action.
⋅ There’s a group of five Baby B’s that will push for varsity spots this fall. The Bruins would be thrilled if at least one from the cluster of Matt Poitras, Fabian Lysell, Georgii Merkulov, Dans Locmelis, and Matej Blumel could thrive in Sturm’s hybrid systems. If not, they could be dangled as part of a trade.
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