Three Potential Free Agent Targets For The Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are finally entering an offseason where they are sitting comfortably with over $20 million in cap space available. Don Sweeney is looking to make some big acquisitions this offseason to improve the team’s overall depth by targeting more bottom-six forwards, and specifically a top-six centre which the team has been trying to acquire since the departures of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci last summer. Let’s dive into three potential free agent options that Sweeney and the Boston Bruins could potentially target this off-season.

3 Potential Free Agent Targets for The Boston Bruins

Tyler Toffoli 

Projected Contract: 2 years, $4 million. 

One player that Sweeney is keeping an eye on this off-season is veteran Tyler Toffoli. Toffoli, 32 will be testing the open market after finishing this season with the Winnipeg Jets. He was dealt to them at this year’s deadline from the New Jersey Devils after a disappointing start to the season.

The Jets were Toffoli’s 6th organization he’s been a part of since joining the league during the 2012-2013 season. He played for the L.A Kings and won 2 Stanley Cups with them. Toffoli is a forward option that the Bruins can look into as he is able to play both left and right wing. Additionally, he could provide goal scoring in the middle-six of Boston’s forward core.

Toffoli isn’t the best with transitional offence. However, when in the offensive zone his shot can be effective. Especially providing chances for his teammates with his veteran level hockey IQ. He would be able to bring to the team more scoring either on the teams’ 2nd or 3rd line. 

Elias Lindholm

Projected Contract: 5 years, $6.5 million. 

The Boston Bruins have been in desperate need of a top-six centre, and Elias Lindholm has been on Sweeney’s radar since last off-season. Lindholm is a right shot centreman who is capable of playing right wing as well.

Lindholm started his career with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2013-2014 season and then was eventually traded to the Calgary Flames, and during his 4th season there he averaged a point per game alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk. Lindholm’s two way style of play, and his ability to create space and gain speed during offensive transitions, would be a good fit alongside superstar David Pastrnak on the top line for the Bruins.

Lindholm is also able to create turnovers in the neutral zone with his quickness in the open ice. Lindholm would also provide Boston with much needed faceoff help. Which was one of their team’s biggest weaknesses this past season.