Five Possible Free Agent Wingers for the Boston Bruins

Some would argue that the Boston Bruins overachieved this season by making it to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Many analysts predicted that the Bruins would compete for a playoff place, but instead they finished second in the Atlantic Division, one point short of a division title. The Bruins have approximately 21 million dollars to spend this offseason, with the prospect of dealing goaltender Linus Ullmark to free up an additional five million. To say this is a pivotal summer for Boston would be an understatement. A few clever moves might propel the Bruins back into Stanley Cup contention.

So, what should Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney do with the additional funds and resources? Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci were major losses, as were wingers Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi. Here is a list of five potential wing fits for the Bruins from a group of unrestricted free agents throughout the league:

Sam Reinhart (28) Center/Right Wing – Florida Panthers

Reinhart, who scored 57 goals for the Panthers last season, should be a prize in this free agent class. That goal total was higher than in previous seasons, but the second-round pick in 2014 has scored at least 22 goals in every season save one. Reinhart is also a good defensive forward, having recorded 66 blocks this season and previously being considered for the Selke Award. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound forward also leads the team in postseason shots on goal, with 48 in 11 games. Reinhart is in his prime, and his offensive production will command a high salary and term. Look for a five- or six-year contract worth $8 million per year.

Jonathan Marchessault (33) Center/Right Wing – Vegas Golden Knights

Marchessault is getting older, but he’s still delivering like a young sharpshooter, with 42 goals this season. The 5-foot-9, 183-pound striker is similar in stature and output to Brad Marchand, and he would provide Boston with another goal-scoring option. Despite his diminutive physique, Marchessault had a career-high 107 hits this season. A new contract could be difficult given that he will be 34 in December, but a three-year contract at $7 million per year might suffice. Marchessault has also shown himself in the playoffs, with 13 goals and 80 shots on goal during the Golden Knights’ 2022-23 Stanley Cup run.

Jake Guentzel (30) Left Wing – Carolina Hurricanes

Guentzel is a consistent goal scorer who showed this season that he can score without Sidney Crosby as his center. Guentzel has scored at least 30 goals in each of the last three seasons and won the Stanley Cup. In 69 postseason games, the 2013 third-round pick has scored 67 points. At only 30 years old, Guentzel should earn a six-year contract, but his consistency could be worth it for the Bruins.

Tyler Bertuzzi (29) Left Wing – Toronto Maple Leafs

Bringing Bertuzzi back may be an option for Boston. Offensively, the winger was a failure for Toronto this season, but he was a fan favorite during his brief stint with Boston, scoring five goals in the playoffs. Bertuzzi’s defensive weaknesses do not make him a good match for the Bruins, so a return is doubtful. But, if all else fails, Bertuzzi would be a great upgrade over James Van Riemsdyk on the left wing for the proper price, especially if Jake DeBrusk signs elsewhere.

Anthony Duclair (29) Left Wing – Tampa Bay Lightning

Duclair may be a solid fit as a middle-six forward in Boston. The 5-foot-11 wing is not too physical, but he scored 24 goals with the Sharks and Lightning this season and 31 goals in 2021-22. The 2013 third-round pick scored eight goals in 17 games for Tampa Bay, but did not score in their first-round loss against his former team, Florida. If the Bruins are unable to find better choices for their top-six scoring, they can arguably do worse than add Duclair.

The center position is the Bruins’ most pressing need heading into the offseason, but if a top-six pivot is not available, a scoring winger could be a suitable substitute.