2 Former Bruins Are Among The Best NHL Free Agents Left

The 2026-27 NHL season kicked off a few weeks ago. 

While this is the case, there are still a decent number of players who remain free agents. Among the most notable free agents left are two former Boston Bruins forwards: James van Riemsdyk and Reilly Smith.

van Riemsdyk still being a free agent comes after he spent the 2025-26 season with the Detroit Red Wings. In 72 games with Detroit in 2025-26, he posted 15 goals and 31 points.

Overall, van Riemsdyk is no longer the top-six winger he was during his prime. However, he has shown that he can still produce some secondary scoring in a depth role. Due to this, it would not be surprising if he found a new home at some point this season, assuming he wants to continue his career.

In one season with the Bruins in 2023-24, JVR posted 11 goals, 38 points, and a plus-7 rating. 

As for Smith, he posted 16 goals and 26 points in 69 games last season for the Vegas Golden Knights. This was after he had 13 goals and 40 points during both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

Smith's past success could help him find a new home if he wishes to keep his career going. The 35-year-old winger could be a nice addition for a team looking for more offense and experience in their bottom six. 

In 163 games over two seasons with Boston from 2013-14 to 2013-14, Smith posted 33 goals, 58 assists, 91 points, and a plus-35 rating. 

It will be interesting to see if these two former Bruins can find new homes this season from here.