3 free agent players Bruins set to land

The Boston Bruins are finally approaching the offseason with more than $20 million in cap space.

Don Sweeney intends to make significant acquisitions this offseason to strengthen the team’s overall depth by focusing on additional bottom-six forwards, particularly a top-six center, whom the organization has been attempting to acquire since the departures of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci last summer. Let’s look at three prospective free agency targets that Sweeney and the Boston Bruins could pursue this offseason.

3 Potential Free Agent Targets for The Boston Bruins

Tyler Toffoli 

Projected Contract: 2 years, $4 million. 

This offseason, Sweeney is keeping an eye on veteran Tyler Toffoli. Toffoli, 32, will test the market after ending his season with the Winnipeg Jets. He was traded to them at this year’s deadline by the New Jersey Devils after a dismal start to the season.

The Jets were Toffoli’s sixth organization since entering the league in 2012-2013. He played for the Los Angeles Kings, winning two Stanley Cups with them. Toffoli is a forward option that the Bruins can consider because he can play both left and right wing. He might also contribute to Boston’s attacking core’s middle six goal scoring.

Toffoli is not the best at transitional offense. However, while in the offensive zone, his shot is effective. With his veteran-level hockey IQ, he is particularly adept at creating opportunities for his teammates. He could contribute more points to the club by playing on the second or third line.

Elias Lindholm

Projected Contract: 5 years, $6.5 million. 

The Boston Bruins are in desperate need of a top-six center, and Elias Lindholm has been on Sweeney’s radar since last offseason. Lindholm is a right-shot centre who can also play right flank.

Lindholm began his career with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013-2014 before being traded to the Calgary Flames, where he averaged one point per game alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk in his fourth season. Lindholm’s two-way style of play, as well as his ability to create space and generate speed during offensive transitions, would complement superstar David Pastrnak on the Bruins’ top line.

Lindholm’s agility on the open ice allows him to cause turnovers in the neutral zone. Lindholm would also provide Boston with much-needed faceoff support. This was one of their team’s major flaws this season.

Jonathan Marchessault

Projected Contract: 3 years, $6.2 million.

Over the last few seasons, depth scoring has been the organization’s primary priority. This makes it one of Boston’s top free-agent targets. Jonathan Marchessault is a veteran player who has recently achieved great success. Specifically, winning the Stanley Cup with the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, as well as the Conn Smythe Trophy, which goes to the MVP of the whole playoffs.

This season, Marchessault led the Golden Knights in scoring. He scored 42 goals, 27 assists, and 69 points in 82 games. He is a swift skater, which is something the organization has lacked. Furthermore, despite being only 5’8, he is exceptionally durable. Marchessault can be a significant concern for opposing teams when it comes to offensive rushes and has a fast shooting. He isn’t afraid to crash the net and compete in the corners for the puck.

Marchessault could be played as a second-line winger with Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle, providing the Bruins with another goal scorer who could also serve as the sniper for their second powerplay unit.