According to a recent report by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Boston Bruins are actively looking into options to retain Tyler Bertuzzi, a promising winger who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The news has generated significant interest as it comes from a highly respected source in the hockey world. With less than a month until NHL free agency begins, speculation and rumors surrounding free agents are heating up.
This offseason marks the first time in Bertuzzi's career, at the age of 28, that he will have the chance to explore the unrestricted free agent market. Experts and salary cap analysts project his potential contract to fall within the range of $4.2 million to $5.2 million per season, considering the expected salary cap of $83.5 million for the upcoming season. However, it's important to note that the projected increase in the 2023-24 NHL salary cap, initially announced by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, has since been revised to $83.5 million.
During a media availability session on May 9, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney acknowledged the challenges of retaining Bertuzzi, as well as defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway, who were acquired by the team at the NHL Trade Deadline. Sweeney highlighted the financial constraints imposed by the impending salary cap situation, recognizing it as a difficult predicament for the organization.
Sweeney explained, "I couldn't simply commit to signing those players outright. Our cap situation is a factor that we must consider, especially with our overage standing at $4.5 million. Like several other teams in the league, we have certain limitations. Our goal was to assemble the strongest roster possible for a legitimate playoff push, but unfortunately, we fell short."
