Some would say that the Boston Bruins overachieved this past season by reaching the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Many pundits had the Bruins fighting for a playoff spot, but instead, Boston managed to finish second in the Atlantic Division, missing out on a division title by just one point. Heading into this offseason, the Bruins have roughly 21 million dollars to spend and the possibility of trading goaltender Linus Ullmark to free up another five million. To say this is an important summer for Boston would be an understatement. A few shrewd moves could put the Bruins back into Stanley Cup contention.
So what should Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney do with the extra money and resources? Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci were big losses, but so were wingers Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi. Here is a list of five possible fits at wing for the Bruins from a group of unrestricted free agents around the league:
Reinhart should be a prize of this free agent class, coming off a 57-goal season for the Panthers. That goal total was above and beyond past seasons, but the second overall pick in 2014 has scored at least 22 goals in all but one season overall. Reinhart is also a good defensive forward with 66 blocks this past season and Selke Award consideration in years past. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound forward has also led the team in shots on goal in the playoffs with 48 in 11 games. Reinhart is in his prime and his offensive production will command big money and term. Look for a contract for 5-6 years and $8 million annually.
Marchessault is getting up there in age, but producing like a young sniper with 42 goals this season. The 5-foot-9 183-pound forward is similar to Brad Marchand in stature and production and would give Boston another goal-scoring winger. Although smaller in size, Marchessault dished out a career-high 107 hits this season as well. A new contract could be tricky based on the fact he will be 34 in December, but maybe a three-year contract at $7 million annually gets it done. Marchessault is also a proven playoff performer with 13 goals and 80 shots on net in the Golden Knights’ 2022-23 Stanley Cup title run.
Guentzel is a consistent goal scorer who was able to prove this season that he could score without Sidney Crosby as his center. Guentzel has scored at least 30 goals each of the last three seasons and is a Stanley Cup winner. In his postseason career, the third-round pick in 2013 has 67 points in 69 games. At just 30 years old, Guentzel should command a hefty, six-year deal, but his consistency might be worth it for the Bruins.
