The Bruins should take a chance on this former NHLer.
According to Championat's Dmitry Storozhev, Nikita Gusev is hoping to make a return to the NHL for next season. This report came out after the 31-year-old was spotted at the New Jersey Devils development camp on July 2.
Gusev eyeing a potential NHL return is entirely understandable. The 2012 seventh-round pick had a monster 2023-24 season with Moscow Dynamo of the KHL. In 68 games, he had 23 goals and led the league with 66 assists and 89 points. His 89 points also set a new KHL record. Thus, now is the perfect time for him to push to return to the NHL.
With the Bruins needing more depth on the wing, they should consider taking a shot on Gusev. His offensive production in the KHL this past campaign was very impressive, and he could have the potential to provide some decent secondary scoring in the Bruins' bottom six if signed.
Gusev has shown in the past that he can produce in the NHL, too. Back during the 2019-20 season, he posted 13 goals and 44 points in 66 games with the Devils. However, he also cooled off the next campaign, recording four goals and 10 points in 31 games split between the Devils and Florida Panthers.
Ultimately, after losing multiple wingers in free agency this summer, the Bruins should consider adding to their depth with a cheap player like Gusev. It would be a low-risk move, and he could make an impact.