Throughout the 2023-2024 season, I became weary of referring to it as a transition year, as the Bruins appeared well-positioned for the upcoming offseason.
Like anything, there is room for discussion about whether the Bruins have made improvements. In my opinion, they have certainly strengthened their forward lineup and significantly enhanced their defensive unit. While the goaltending situation may be weaker for the regular season, it remains unchanged from last season for the playoffs. Jeremy Swayman will be the starting goalie for every game.
But not only did General Manager Don Sweeney set the team up for this season, but also for next offseason.
The salary cap is expected to increase again, likely reaching around $92.5 million. The Mike Reilly buyout will no longer be a factor. There is a possibility of $542,500 in performance bonuses, but they should have the capacity to accommodate that this season without any carryover.
So, where does that leave them?
Based on the expected roster this season, that leaves them a hair shy of $30 million in cap space minus what ever Swayman’s AAV comes in at.
Examining their upcoming re-signings reveals that they will have funds available to invest again. The goaltending situation will be secure once Swayman signs. The defensive lineup is mostly settled, except for Mason Lohrei, who will enter restricted free agency without arbitration rights. A bridge contract is anticipated in this case.
Parker Wotherspoon becomes an unrestricted free agent and if he is the seventh defenceman as expected, he will not be difficult to replace at the same salary.
Up front, the big name is Captain Brad Marchand who will be a UFA at the end of next season. I don’t see any scenario where he comes in at the $6.125million he is making now. Possibly a lower salary with bonuses may be the way to go here.
Both Morgan Geekie and Mark Kastelic are restricted free agents with arbitration rights. If Geekie has a modest improvement, he might be able to double his current $2 million cap hit. Kastelic, if he’s interested, would be in for the Max Jones type contract. John Beecher is an RFA and the Bruins may wish to spend a little more here to lock him up for more term, but he won’t break the bank.
Perhaps the biggest ticket will go to Trent Frederic, an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. I’m sure that there are several teams that would be ecstatic if he were to hit the open market. Is a multi year deal with a $5 million cap hit out of the question? It depends on how he performs this season, but I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.
You can decide what each of these players will likely earn, but whatever you decide, they will have cap space to add again next offseason.
Many people were suggesting Sweeney dismantle the team and rebuild. However, Sweeney remained committed to his vision and positioned the Bruins for both current success and future growth.
Dom - Hockey 