BREAKING: These Could Be The Next Players Out In Boston
PUBLICATION
Austin Sabourin
June 29, 2023 (11:39 PM)
The Boston Bruins made an immediate splash in the 2023 NHL offseason, wasting no time in executing a salary dump trade involving the unrestricted free agent rights of Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno. In return for their departures, the Bruins welcomed defensemen Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula from the Chicago Blackhawks. Not only did this trade bolster Boston's defensive depth, but it also cleared approximately $11 million in salary cap space, affording the team the flexibility needed to address other roster needs.
Despite creating some cap space, the Bruins still have a number of free agents, both unrestricted and restricted, which means they may need to shed more salary to accommodate their desired roster composition. Consequently, several players on the team have emerged as potential trade candidates.
One such player is Derek Forbort, a left-shot defenseman. With an abundance of left-shot defensemen on the roster, it wouldn't be surprising if Forbort becomes a trade chip for the Bruins this offseason. While Forbort had a solid season, contributing five goals and 12 points, his expiring contract and $3 million cap hit make him a potentially expendable asset as the team explores alternative options in free agency.
Another defenseman worth monitoring is Mike Reilly. Reilly's name has been circulating in trade rumors since last season when he had a brief stint with the NHL club before being sent down to the AHL. Given his higher cap hit, it may affect his trade value. However, teams in need of defensive depth may still be interested in acquiring him, potentially in exchange for a draft pick.
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Matt Grzelcyk, a Massachusetts native, is another player whose future with the Bruins could be uncertain. With more trade value than Forbort and Reilly, Grzelcyk's higher cap hit of $3,687,500 and contract status make him an attractive asset for teams in search of a reliable two-way defenseman. The Bruins may consider trading him rather than risking losing him for nothing in free agency next year.
While not as frequently mentioned in trade rumors, winger Jake DeBrusk's future in Boston remains uncertain. DeBrusk will enter the final year of his contract, and although he had an impressive performance last season with 27 goals and 50 points, his chemistry with linemates Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand could influence the team's decision. If Bergeron decides to retire, the Bruins may explore trading DeBrusk to acquire a top-six center.
Finally, the most significant trade candidate for the Bruins is goaltender Linus Ullmark. Despite being the reigning Vezina Trophy and Jennings Trophy winner, Ullmark's name has been circulating in trade talks. With promising netminder Jeremy Swayman expected to be the team's long-term solution, Ullmark's $5 million cap hit and strong performance create a favorable trade opportunity for the Bruins.
As the offseason progresses, the Bruins' front office remains active in seeking ways to optimize their roster and address their cap constraints. The trade involving Hall and Foligno serves as just the beginning, with further moves likely to follow. The ultimate fate of players like Derek Forbort, Mike Reilly, Matt Grzelcyk, Jake DeBrusk, and Linus Ullmark hangs in the balance as the Bruins reshape their roster in preparation for the upcoming season.
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| POLL |
29 JUIN | 151 ANSWERS BREAKING: These Could Be The Next Players Out In Boston Will the Boston Bruins make more trades to address their salary cap constraints in the upcoming NHL offseason? |
| Yes | 134 | 88.7 % |
| No | 17 | 11.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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