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The Boston Bruins (45-27-10) overachieved, making the playoffs after a disastrous 2024-25 season. They replaced head coach Jim Montgomery with Marco Sturm, and Sturm’s first season was a smashing success.
Thanks to a bounce-back season from Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy, a few prospects (Fraser Minten, Marat Khusnutdinov) turning into contributors, and a sneakily good buy of Viktor Arvidsson, the Bruins made the playoffs as a wild-card team.
More: NHL analyst blasted over Connor McDavid is ‘gone’ prediction
Unfortunately, they fell in the first round to the Buffalo Sabres, who are probably the biggest surprise in the NHL. This offseason, the Bruins will try to build on their surprise success.
Apr 21, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) takes a shot on goal during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Viktor Arvidsson was the biggest pleasent surprise for the Bruins. In his prime, he was always good for at least 25 goals and around 50 points each season. However, between the 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons, he had just one season of 25+ goals and 50+ points (2022-23).
After a 15-goal, 27-point season with the Edmonton Oilers, they dumped his contract to the Bruins, and he rewarded Boston with a 25-goal, 54-point season in 2025-26. The only problem is that he becomes a UFA this offseason.
More: NHL punishes coach who snubbed reporters with $100,000 fine, lost draft pick
Given the fact he’s 33 years old, Arvidsson is projected to earn just $4.225 million per year (via AFP analytics). However, the free agency crop is really weak this season, especially at wing. That might encourage Arvidsson to enter the market, and if so, the Bruins would have to cough up a lot more than that.
Apr 28, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm (28) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
It’s rare for a team in postseason contention to consider selling off pieces of the core. However, the Bruins have a few unfavorable contracts on the board, and some could probably earn value now.
Joonas Korpisalo is a name to watch. The Finnish backup goaltender has been alright as a backup, but he’s making $3 million through 2028 with the contract the Ottawa Senators signed him to. He has just a 10-team no-trade clause, so the Bruins would be wise to shop him, especially with Michael DiPietro waiting in the American Hockey League.
More: Quinn Hughes shares honest take on his future after Minnesota Wild’s playoff exit
Henry Jokiharju is another name to consider. He was basically a non-factor down the stretch, only playing in 41 games last season, and his $3 million per year term isn’t desirable for a third-pairing defenseman. However, he’s only 27, so there could be a team that thinks they could get something out of Jokiharju.
Casey Mittlelstadt could become trade bait too. He’s earning $5.75 million next season before becoming a UFA in 2027. He deserves credit for performing decently this season (42 points through 71 games) after a rough first couple of games with the Bruins (six points in 18 games).
More: Ex-Oilers teammate Evander Kane makes strong Connor McDavid statement
However, it’s unknown where he fits in the Bruins’ long-term plans. With guys like Minten and eventually James Hagens taking the reins as top-six centers, it might be wise for Boston to move Mittlelstadt for some draft capital. I think if the Bruins aren’t able to retain Arvidsson, that could be a sign Mittelstadt gets moved too.
Dec 27, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) takes a shot on goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Bruins forward group is underrated, with star talent (David Pastrnak), young guns (Minten, Khustnudinov, Hagens) and good veterans (Pavel Zacha, Morgan Geekie). That can’t be said about the defense.
Charlie McAvoy is great, and Hampus Lindholm is still good when healthy. Otherwise, the Bruins don’t have much. While Nikita Zadorov is providing positive value and staying healthy, he is signed to $5 million per season. Lindholm and Zadorov are more stay-at-home types than offensive defenseman, too.
More: Oilers’ GM Stan Bowman under fire after ‘horrible job’ in 2025-26 NHL season
The Bruins need another good offensive defenseman to round out the group, and they should shoot for the stars in this one, even if they just land on the moon. Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson is a name to watch, should he open the market. The Bruins tried to trade for him over the deadline, but the Golden Knights got to him first, and they likely re-sign him.
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh is the other top option offensively for the Bruins. He shoots right, just like McAvoy, but he could still provide a jolt offensively without having to take first-pairing matchups.
More: Mitch Marner continues MVP-level run as Golden Knights knock out Ducks
If they can’t get either of those names in free agency, they could look in the trade market. There are plenty of good names they could acquire. If they wanted someone older, they could go after Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, and if they wanted younger, they could try to get someone like Oren Zellweger or Pavel Mintyukov from the Anaheim Ducks.
Regardless, the Bruins have a lot they could dangle, whether that’s contracts or draft picks. They have one of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ next two first-round draft picks, along with the Florida Panthers’ 2028 first-round pick. They could put those assets to good use to get over the top.
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Thanks to a bounce-back season from Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy, a few prospects (Fraser Minten, Marat Khusnutdinov) turning into contributors, and a sneakily good buy of Viktor Arvidsson, the Bruins made the playoffs as a wild-card team.
More: NHL analyst blasted over Connor McDavid is ‘gone’ prediction
Unfortunately, they fell in the first round to the Buffalo Sabres, who are probably the biggest surprise in the NHL. This offseason, the Bruins will try to build on their surprise success.
Do they resign Viktor Arvidsson?
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Apr 21, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) takes a shot on goal during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Viktor Arvidsson was the biggest pleasent surprise for the Bruins. In his prime, he was always good for at least 25 goals and around 50 points each season. However, between the 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons, he had just one season of 25+ goals and 50+ points (2022-23).
After a 15-goal, 27-point season with the Edmonton Oilers, they dumped his contract to the Bruins, and he rewarded Boston with a 25-goal, 54-point season in 2025-26. The only problem is that he becomes a UFA this offseason.
More: NHL punishes coach who snubbed reporters with $100,000 fine, lost draft pick
Given the fact he’s 33 years old, Arvidsson is projected to earn just $4.225 million per year (via AFP analytics). However, the free agency crop is really weak this season, especially at wing. That might encourage Arvidsson to enter the market, and if so, the Bruins would have to cough up a lot more than that.
Do the Bruins try to unload contracts this offseason?
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Apr 28, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm (28) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
It’s rare for a team in postseason contention to consider selling off pieces of the core. However, the Bruins have a few unfavorable contracts on the board, and some could probably earn value now.
Joonas Korpisalo is a name to watch. The Finnish backup goaltender has been alright as a backup, but he’s making $3 million through 2028 with the contract the Ottawa Senators signed him to. He has just a 10-team no-trade clause, so the Bruins would be wise to shop him, especially with Michael DiPietro waiting in the American Hockey League.
More: Quinn Hughes shares honest take on his future after Minnesota Wild’s playoff exit
Henry Jokiharju is another name to consider. He was basically a non-factor down the stretch, only playing in 41 games last season, and his $3 million per year term isn’t desirable for a third-pairing defenseman. However, he’s only 27, so there could be a team that thinks they could get something out of Jokiharju.
Casey Mittlelstadt could become trade bait too. He’s earning $5.75 million next season before becoming a UFA in 2027. He deserves credit for performing decently this season (42 points through 71 games) after a rough first couple of games with the Bruins (six points in 18 games).
More: Ex-Oilers teammate Evander Kane makes strong Connor McDavid statement
However, it’s unknown where he fits in the Bruins’ long-term plans. With guys like Minten and eventually James Hagens taking the reins as top-six centers, it might be wise for Boston to move Mittlelstadt for some draft capital. I think if the Bruins aren’t able to retain Arvidsson, that could be a sign Mittelstadt gets moved too.
How do the Bruins improve their defense?
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Dec 27, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) takes a shot on goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Bruins forward group is underrated, with star talent (David Pastrnak), young guns (Minten, Khustnudinov, Hagens) and good veterans (Pavel Zacha, Morgan Geekie). That can’t be said about the defense.
Charlie McAvoy is great, and Hampus Lindholm is still good when healthy. Otherwise, the Bruins don’t have much. While Nikita Zadorov is providing positive value and staying healthy, he is signed to $5 million per season. Lindholm and Zadorov are more stay-at-home types than offensive defenseman, too.
More: Oilers’ GM Stan Bowman under fire after ‘horrible job’ in 2025-26 NHL season
The Top Blue-Line Options
The Bruins need another good offensive defenseman to round out the group, and they should shoot for the stars in this one, even if they just land on the moon. Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson is a name to watch, should he open the market. The Bruins tried to trade for him over the deadline, but the Golden Knights got to him first, and they likely re-sign him.
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh is the other top option offensively for the Bruins. He shoots right, just like McAvoy, but he could still provide a jolt offensively without having to take first-pairing matchups.
More: Mitch Marner continues MVP-level run as Golden Knights knock out Ducks
If they can’t get either of those names in free agency, they could look in the trade market. There are plenty of good names they could acquire. If they wanted someone older, they could go after Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, and if they wanted younger, they could try to get someone like Oren Zellweger or Pavel Mintyukov from the Anaheim Ducks.
Regardless, the Bruins have a lot they could dangle, whether that’s contracts or draft picks. They have one of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ next two first-round draft picks, along with the Florida Panthers’ 2028 first-round pick. They could put those assets to good use to get over the top.
Continue reading...
