The Boston Bruins, a team with a robust financial foundation, are poised to make strategic moves this offseason. With a projected cap space of over $16 million and only two unrestricted free agents, Viktor Arvidsson and Andrew Peeke, the Bruins have the flexibility to re-sign Arvidsson and upgrade other areas of their roster. However, to truly elevate their ambitions, they must proactively shed redundant contracts to free up more spending power.
Here's an in-depth look at seven players the Bruins could consider trading this summer to clear roster logjams and boost their financial flexibility:
Joonas Korpisalo (Goaltender, $3 million cap hit, 2 seasons remaining): Korpisalo's solid play in the second half of the season could attract a desperate team in need of goaltending. Moving him could free up cap space and provide an opportunity for the Bruins to develop their young talent, like Michael DiPietro, as the backup to Jeremy Swayman.
Henri Jokiharju (Defenseman, $3 million cap hit, 2 seasons remaining): Jokiharju's inconsistent play and limited ice time make him a potential trade chip. If the Bruins are hesitant to give him an extended run, they might package him in a deal to upgrade their blue line or gain more upside elsewhere.
Mikey Eyssimont (Forward, $1.45 million cap hit, 1 season remaining): Eyssimont's regular scratching down the stretch and his role as a bottom-six player make him a candidate for a trade. The Bruins could flip him to a team that can provide regular playing time, similar to their trade of Jeffrey Viel for a draft pick.
Mason Lohrei (Defenseman, $3.2 million, 1 season remaining): Lohrei's size and playmaking ability could attract interest from other teams. However, his reduced ice time and uncertain standing with the coach might make him a potential trade chip if the Bruins seek more stability on their blue line.
Casey Mittelstadt (Forward, $5.75 million, 1 season remaining): Mittelstadt's steady performance and playmaking ability make him an attractive asset. With his contract expiring, the Bruins could flip him for draft capital or as part of a package to acquire a player with higher upside, especially if moving his contract allows them to absorb another contract.
Pavel Zacha (Forward, $4.75 million, 1 season remaining): Zacha's versatility and production make him a valuable player. However, with rising cap ceilings and the cost of re-signing him, the Bruins might consider trading him for a premium asset or a long-term deal with a higher salary.
Elias Lindholm (Forward, $7.75 million, 5 seasons remaining): Lindholm's no-movement clause and injury concerns make him a challenging trade. The Bruins might consider flipping him to a team in a long-term rebuild, like the Canucks, as part of a distressed asset swap. However, a pure buyout would be financially burdensome, with a cap hit for the next decade.
In summary, the Bruins have the financial flexibility to make strategic moves this offseason. By proactively shedding redundant contracts, they can free up spending power and elevate their ambitions. These trades could help them clear roster logjams, develop young talent, and upgrade their roster for the future.
