Boston Bruins Face An Uncertain Future

The Boston Bruins are facing an interesting off-season following their first-round elimination. With their firing of head coach Bruce Cassidy on Monday, the road ahead appears increasingly uncertain. 

Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy believes they'll explore big-name replacements for Cassidy such as Barry Trotz, John Tortorella and Peter DeBoer. They could also hire an up-and-coming coach to work with their young players, such as former Bruins center and current Windsor Spitfires bench boss Marc Savard. 

Patrice Bergeron took home his record-setting fifth Selke Trophy on Sunday. The Bruins captain said he's recovering from recent elbow surgery and hasn't decided if he'll sign a new contract or retire. Meanwhile, winger Brad Marchand and defensemen Charlie McAvoy, Matt Grzelcyk and Mike Reilly are sidelined for months recovering from surgeries.

The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa cited a source close to David Pastrnak claiming there's “no chance” he'll sign a contract extension if Don Sweeney remains the general manager. The 26-year-old winger can become a UFA next summer. He's said to be unhappy over the departures of his friends Torey Krug and David Krejci over the past two years.

Sweeney's indicated he intends to speak with Pastrnak's representatives about a new contract at the earliest opportunity. However, Shinzawa suggested the high-scoring winger could be traded if he appears reluctant to sign an extension.

Despite the Bruins' blueline already decimated by off-season surgeries, Shinzawa proposed that Sweeney attempt to trade a defenseman this summer. If Grzelcyk or Reilly can be moved for futures, it would free up cap space to pursue a center in the off-season.

DeBrusk, meanwhile, still hasn't withdrawn his trade request. Having reportedly clashed with Cassidy in the past, perhaps the latter's firing will change his mind.