The Boston Bruins dipped into the free agent market relatively early by signing Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov.
One year ago, we were glued to our computers or televisions as the cash strapped Bruins signed the likes of Morgan Geekie, James van Riemsdyk, Kevin Shattenkirk, Jesper Boqvist and Milan Lucic to name a few.
With nearly $24 million available for spending this summer, General Manager Don Sweeney and Assistant General Manager Evan Gold had the opportunity to build a roster for the present and near future, after accounting for funds to sign Goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
The team filled a crucial gap at center by finalizing a 7-year contract with Lindholm worth an average of $7.75 million per year for seven years. They also strengthened their defense by signing Zadorov to a reported 6-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million.
The Bruins now have around $11.2 million in cap space available for signing Swayman, acquiring a right winger, and adding a 13th forward. This situation is quite feasible, particularly if players such as Fabian Lysell or Georgii Merkulov have a chance to secure a spot on the roster.
I expect some smaller moves ahead as well as the Bruins want some depth down in Providence.
Leaving the Bruins via free agency are: Jake DeBrusk (Vancouver, 7 years at $5.5 million) Danton Heinen (Vancouver, 2 years at $2.250 million) and Patrick Maroon (Chicago, 1-year at $1.3 million). There are reports that Derek Forbort is signing with Vancouver and Matt Grzelcyk with Pittsburgh but no contracts have been filed with the league at this time.
Keep up with the most current cap updates here.
Dom - Hockey 