Change is a constant in life and it’s always evident in sports. Year in and year out, teams go through changes and in most cases go through big changes during the year. Obviously each sport is slightly different but the change is constant and for the Boston Bruins this change may be coming sooner rather than later. The Bruins have been one the few teams in the NHL with a core group of players that’s stayed together for nearly a decade going back to their Stanley Cup championship in 2011. Fast forward to now, the B’s are facing an offseason truly unlike any other and not only because of COVID-19 but because a few key players are looking unrestricted free agency in the face. These personnel decisions will go a long way in determining where the team goes next. Below I’ll take a look at each free agent unrestricted and restricted and give my opinion on the likelihood of them returning to Boston.
Torey Krug: Let’s get the big one out of the way first shall we? Krug is slated to be one of the top defensemen on the market once free agency opens in early October and he’s due for a decent pay raise. Krug has made $5.25 million over the last four seasons and with the Bruins in a precarious cap situation his potential pay raise could create a serious cap crunch. Krug has produced incredibly well for the Bruins in his career, posting 67 goals and 270 assists for 337 points in 523 games. His production alone should be reason enough for Don Sweeney to open his check book, but how much money remains to be seen. In my opinion I think it’s very possible Krug returns to Boston even if he wants a significant raise, but personally I think he signs for somewhere between seven and eight million dollars a year for seven years. Krug’s been a big part of the Bruins core for years and he definitely deserves a new deal to keep being a stalwart on the power play. Personally I don’t see Krug being offered a lot more money elsewhere so his future is really up to Don Sweeney.
Zdeno Chara: The B’s decision on their captain could be just as huge as Krug as the 43-year-old goes into the offseason unsigned. In all likelihood the Bruins will bring him back as Z can still be an effective penalty killer and has been a tremendous mentor to some of the younger defenseman. Chara has definitely lost a step in the last few years but signing him to another cheap deal wouldn’t be a bad idea as he still has some effectiveness left. Personally I would be very surprised if Chara decided to go elsewhere so it seems as though it’s either retirement or one final run with Boston for Number 33.
Joakim Nordstrom: The fourth line winger has continued the string of solid bottom six signings by Don Sweeney with a couple of decent seasons in black and gold. Nordstrom was especially solid in last year’s playoff run and was a part of the fourth line this season that had stretches of great play in the regular and postseason. With the Bruins having strong organizational depth in the bottom six it seems very unlikely Nordstrom will return to the team. Nordstrom in a way played himself out of Boston with very solid play and that will most likely lead to him cashing in during free agency.
Kevan Miller: Miller could never quite get healthy after dislocating his kneecap last season so it’s likely he’s played his last game in Boston. It remains to be seen what he could get on the open market as he hasn’t played in nearly a year and a half.
Matt Grzelcyk: The former BU Terrier is the most likely free agent to return to the Bruins in my opinion. He’s been an absolute steal at $1.4 million the last two seasons and it’s likely he sees a decent raise but with potentially brining Torey Krug back, it’s possible it’s only a modest raise. With the potential salary cap crunch it’s likely he signs another small deal but that doesn’t mean he’s not a big time player. It’s very possible Grzelcyk sees time on the top pairing next season with Charlie McAvoy as he continues to grow into a special player.
Jake DeBrusk: I’ll start by saying I’d like DeBrusk to return to the B’s next season, as even though he’s had his struggles, I believe he’s still worth bringing back assuming he doesn’t ask for a significant pay raise. If the Bruins bring back Krug it’s likely DeBrusk won’t see a significant raise from his entry level deal. However, if he wants more money it’s quite possible the team could move him. It’s highly unlikely but it is possible because the Bruins will certainly be looking to trim some salary. Unfortunately for DeBrusk, his production has declined slightly each season and he sometimes appears invisible on the ice. Given all that I do expect Don Sweeney to bring him back but it could get very interesting if the Bruins are able to bring back Krug.
By: Garrett Haydon | Follow Me On Twitter @thesportsguy97
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