Bruins might be left with an opening at left wing after the retirement of…

The Boston Bruins have been concerned about the center position since long-time forwards Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired.

Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle have been excellent substitutes; yet, the team is still looking for a top-six center in the future. As free agency approaches on July 1, Don Sweeney is exploring every angle to fill that vacuum.

Another position to address is left wing. Aside from captain Brad Marchand, Boston has had to replace players like as Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi in recent months. Jake DeBrusk, a natural left-side forward, has spent the majority of the last two seasons playing on the right side. Other left-side forwards include Danton Heinen, James Van Riemsdyk, Patrick Maroon, Jakub Lauko, and others. As the offseason begins, all forwards are free agents, with only Heinen reportedly in talks to return to the team for the 2024-25 season.

A lack of consistent scoring and high-danger chances contributed significantly to their second-round series loss to the Florida Panthers. Some of this was due to poor center play, but another factor was a scarcity of forwards capable of driving lines, such as David Pastrnak and Marchand. The Bruins require another forward capable of scoring 30 or more goals and relieving some of Pastrnak’s workload. The deaths of Hall and Bertuzzi were more difficult to deal with than many thought. It is on to General Manager Don Sweeney to acquire a solid offensive winger to improve the offense’s steadiness and scoring balance.

Jake Guentzel, Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, and Jonathan Marchessault are among the few free agents capable of playing left wing. Steven Stamkos, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s star, is a free agent but is expected to re-sign with the team. So, where can Sweeney get adequate scoring on the wing? It might be a trade, as Heinen is a bottom-six option.

Center is without a doubt Boston’s most pressing need. A winger, on the other hand, is equally desired, and the Bruins have some cap flexibility to do so if DeBrusk does find a new home.