The Bruins have some free-agent centers to target this offseason.
The Bruins have some free-agent centers to target this offseason.
No matter what happens in the postseason, it is fair to call the 2023-24 campaign a success for the Boston Bruins. After losing Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Dmitry Orlov, Tyler Bertuzzi, and many others, the Bruins are remarkably among the top teams in the league this campaign.
While this is the case, there is also no question that they will look to make upgrades this offseason. They are entering the summer with a plethora of cap space and will take advantage of it. One specific need they have is a top-six center. As a result, let's discuss three pending UFA centers that the Bruins could target if they hit the market.
Elias Lindholm, Vancouver Canucks
Elias Lindholm is an obvious target for the Bruins. The Bruins were heavily linked to him during this offseason, and they tried to land him from both the Calgary Flames and then Vancouver Canucks before the deadline. Clearly, Don Sweeney likes the player, and it makes sense.
When playing at his best, Lindholm is an impactful top-six center who produces well offensively and plays a steady defensive game. After losing Bergeron to retirement, bringing in a high-impact two-way center like Lindholm would be beneficial.
In 71 games this season split between Calgary and Vancouver, Lindholm has 14 goals and 41 points.
Matt Duchene, Dallas Stars
During the 2023 NHL Offseason, Matt Duchene was bought out by the Nashville Predators. He then inked a one-year deal with the Dallas Stars, and he has been magnificent for them since. In 72 games, he has 24 goals, 62 points, and a plus-15 rating. If the Stars don't extend him, the Bruins would be wise to target him in free agency.
Duchene would be a massive addition to the Bruins' top six, as he is still a fantastic point-producer at this stage of his career. He could create magic on a line with superstar David Pastrnak.
Sean Monahan, Winnipeg Jets
Sean Monahan is another notable center who could hit the market this offseason. After multiple seasons of injury trouble, the 29-year-old has bounced back beautifully this season, posting 23 goals and 52 points in 74 games thus far. He also has 10 goals and 17 points in 25 games since being dealt to the Winnipeg Jets. Clearly, this is a player who thrives playing with great talent, so he could do well in Boston.
If signed, Monahan would work on either of the Bruins' top two lines. As a smart offensive player, he would also give their power play a nice boost. The Bruins have been connected to him in the past, too, so they certainly could eye him this summer.
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