If the Bruins hope to add more forward depth, a player they previously were linked to is still available.
If the Bruins hope to add more forward depth, a player they previously were linked to is still available.
The Boston Bruins' biggest remaining offseason task is re-signing star goalie Jeremy Swayman. The Alaska native remains a restricted free agent and is expected to receive the majority of the Bruins' remaining cap space.
As a result of this, if the Bruins hope to add one more winger to their forward depth, they will need to go bargain shopping. When noting that Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, James van Riemsdyk, and Pat Maroon are all gone from last season's roster, the Bruins should be open to adding a player to a cheap one-year deal or even signing a winger to PTO. Remember, the PTO route worked magnificently with Heinen last season.
When considering the remaining unrestricted free agents, veteran forward Mike Hoffman is an intriguing option.
The Bruins were previously connected to Hoffman when he was a free agent in 2020 and were linked to him at the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline. Thus, he is a player that Bruins GM Don Sweeney has liked in the past.
Hoffman is coming off a bit of a down 2023-24 season with the San Jose Sharks. In 66 games, the 34-year-old posted 10 goals and 23 points. While his production dipped a bit last season, he still could be a decent middle-six option for the Bruins if he bounced back. For example, just back in 2022-23 with the Montreal Canadiens, he had 14 goals and 34 points in 67 games.
Ultimately, there would be no harm in the Bruins looking at a former top-six forward in Hoffman. He could provide the Bruins with a bit more secondary production in a third-line role and offer minimal risk on a cheap one-year deal.
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