Next year's free agency class could be full of notable former Boston Bruins players.
Next year's free agency class could be full of notable former Boston Bruins players.
Now that we are in the later stages of July, most of this year's top free agents have found new homes. It has been a busy summer full of changes around the league, and the 2024-25 season can't start soon enough. While this is the case, next summer could be just as entertaining, as next year's free agency class has many notable names.
In a recent article for Sportsnet, Ryan Dixon ranked the 25 best unrestricted free agents for the 2025 NHL Offseason. Interestingly, a decent chunk of his list are former Boston Bruins players, as four made the cut. Let's discuss each of them now.
Linus Ullmark, Ottawa Senators
The Bruins made a massive move earlier this summer, trading Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators. With Jeremy Swayman stealing the crease during the playoffs and Ullmark entering the final season of his deal, the move made sense. However, Ullmark has yet to sign an extension with the Senators, and the expectation is that he is not in a rush to ink a new deal yet.
If Ullmark becomes a free agent next July, he will easily be the best goalie on the market. Thus, he would have a big market if the Senators couldn't keep him around.
Frank Vatrano, Anaheim Ducks
Frank Vatrano struggled to find his fit at the beginning of his career with the Bruins, but his play has dramatically improved since. However, this past season with the Anaheim Ducks was his best year yet, as he posted new career highs with 37 goals, 23 assists, 60 points, and 156 hits in 82 games. He was also an All-Star for the first time in his career.
If Vatrano replicates this kind of production next season, he will be due for a significant raise from his current $3.65 million cap hit. In addition, teams looking for more skill and grit in their top six would surely target him.
Dmitry Orlov, Carolina Hurricanes
Dmitry Orlov was a home run of a rental for the Bruins during the 2022-23 season. In 23 regular-season games for Boston, he posted four goals and 17 points. He also had eight assists in seven playoff games. While he was a fantastic fit with the Bruins, their cap situation did not allow them to bring him back, and he inked a two-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes last offseason.
Orlov, 32, is a solid top-four defenseman who plays a steady defensive game, produces offensively, and isn't afraid to throw the body. Thus, if he hits the market next July, there is no question he will generate interest.
Taylor Hall, Chicago Blackhawks
Taylor Hall was limited to only 10 games with the Chicago Blackhawks last season due to a knee injury that required season-ending surgery. While he essentially lost his 2023-24 campaign, Dixon still listed him as among the top free agents of next summer. When noting that he is a strong top-six forward while playing at his best and a former Hart Trophy winner, it is understandable.
This upcoming season is a big one for Hall. If he puts together a strong season, it could be enough for the former Bruin to land another nice payday for his next deal.
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