If the Bruins want to add more forward depth, one guy they were linked to is still available.
The Boston Bruins’ largest remaining offseason priority is to re-sign ace goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The Alaska native is still a restricted free agent and is likely to receive the majority of the Bruins’ remaining contract space.
As a result, if the Bruins want to add another winger to their forward depth, they’ll have to go for a discount. Given that Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, James van Riemsdyk, and Pat Maroon are all gone from last season’s roster, the Bruins should be open to adding a player on a cheap one-year contract or even signing a winger to a PTO. Remember that the PTO approach worked perfectly with Heinen last season.
When it comes to the remaining unrestricted free agents, veteran forward Mike Hoffman stands out.
The Bruins were previously linked to Hoffman when he was a free agency in 2020, and again at the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline. As a result, Don Sweeney, the Bruins’ general manager, has previously expressed interest in him.
Hoffman is coming off a disappointing 2023-24 season with the San Jose Sharks. In 66 games, the 34-year-old scored 10 goals and 23 points. While his production slipped slightly last season, he might still be a solid middle-six option for the Bruins if he recovers. For example, in 2022-23 with the Montreal Canadiens, he scored 14 goals and 34 points in 67 games.
Ultimately, there would be little harm in the Bruins considering Hoffman, a former top-six forward. He may provide the Bruins with some secondary output in a third-line role while posing low risk on a one-year contract.