However, the Bruins find themselves in a tight spot with the salary cap, requiring creative maneuvers and potential departures of key players to create much-needed cap space. While the possibility of trading Linus Ullmark has been discussed, another area where Sweeney could make adjustments is the logjam on the blue line.
Derek Forbort, initially anticipated to be paired with Charlie McAvoy, has settled into a reliable role as a third-pair defenseman, particularly shining on the penalty kill. While his presence significantly bolstered the penalty kill success rate, the team managed to cope without him as the season progressed. Forbort's physicality, offensive contributions, and shot-blocking prowess bring value, but his defensive metrics and playoff performance may render him expendable.
Mike Reilly emerges as an obvious candidate for a trade. Despite showing promise upon his arrival from the Ottawa Senators, he has struggled to find a consistent role and even went unclaimed on waivers twice. With his contract presenting challenges and a lack of interest from other teams, a buyout seems necessary to free up valuable cap space.
Although it may not be well-received by fans, Matt Grzelcyk holds the highest trade value among the potential departures. Known for his offensive skills and remarkable two-way play, he has made significant contributions to the team's offensive output. However, his benching during the playoffs and the arrival of Dmitry Orlov have led to a surplus on the left side of the blue line, making Grzelcyk a viable candidate to be moved if additional cap space is required.
