The Boston Bruins are entering this off-season with plenty of cap space to work with. Due to this and general manager Don Sweeney wanting to make the Bruins a playoff team again, there is an expectation that they will be doing some spending in free agency.
This year's free agency class certainly has some star players who can hit the market on July 1, including Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs), Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers), Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets), Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks), Aaron Ekblad (Panthers), and old friend Brad Marchand (Panthers). Thus, the Bruins certainly could have some big-name players to consider once free agency begins.
However, with the Bruins needing to improve their overall depth, there are also some quality depth players who they could consider targeting in free agency this summer. Let's take a look at a few of them now.
Pius Suter, Vancouver Canucks
The Bruins should be aiming to strengthen their middle six this off-season, and bringing in a player like Pius Suter would help things on that front. The 29-year-old forward hit a new level this season with the Vancouver Canucks, as he set new career highs with 25 goals and 46 points in 81 games. With numbers like these, he would have the potential to give the Bruins' some much-needed secondary offensive production if signed.
However, there is much more to Suter's game than just his offense. The 29-year-old forward is also known for his steady defensive play, so he would be a clear option for the Bruins' penalty kill if signed. Furthermore, he offers great versatility, as he can play all three forward positions. Thus, the Bruins could use him in multiple spots in their top nine, which certainly would be a major plus.
After the season Suter just had, he is undoubtedly due for a raise from his previous $1.6 million average annual value. Yet, when noting that he produces offense, is smart defensively, and works in all situations, he would have the potential to be a strong pickup for the Bruins.
In 364 career NHL games over five seasons split between the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Canucks, Suter has posted 82 goals, 80 assists, and 162 points.
Dante Fabbro, Columbus Blue Jackets
While Ekblad is the top right-shot defenseman who can hit the market on July 1, Columbus Blue Jackets defender Dante Fabbro should not be slept on. After being placed on waivers by the Nashville Predators, Fabbro was claimed by the Blue Jackets, and it ultimately revived his career. In 62 games with Columbus following the move, he posted nine goals, 26 points, and a plus-23 rating in a top-pairing role.
The right side of the Bruins' defense needs improvement after they traded Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the deadline. This will be even more of the case if pending UFA Henri Jokiharju leaves the Bruins and signs elsewhere this summer. Thus, a player like Fabbro would make a lot of sense for the Bruins to target.
If the Bruins signed Fabbro, he would offer them a clear option for their second pairing with Hampus Lindholm. In addition, due to his steady defensive play, Fabbro would also give the Bruins another blueliner to use on their penalty kill, which is another one of their notable needs heading into the summer.
Fabbro was selected by the Predators with the 17th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, right after the Bruins selected star defenseman Charlie McAvoy 16th overall that year. In 377 career NHL games split between the Predators and Blue Jackets, Fabbro has recorded 25 goals, 73 assists, 98 points, 383 hits, and a plus-29 rating.
Andrew Mangiapane, Washington Capitals
Andrew Mangiapane is another interesting pending free agent who the Bruins should keep an eye on. The 29-year-old winger struggled in his first season with the Washington Capitals this year, posting 14 goals and 28 points in 81 games. Overall, it was a down year offensively for the 29-year-old forward, but there is clear reason to believe that he can bounce back in the right situation.
Before being traded by the Calgary Flames to the Capitals, Mangiapane recorded at least 40 points in three consecutive seasons from 2021-22 to 2023-24. He also posted career highs with 35 goals and 55 points in 82 games in 2021-22. With this, he has the potential to be an impactful offensive contributor when playing at his best, so he could be worth taking a chance on through a short-term deal.
When looking at the Bruins' roster, Mangiapane could slot nicely on their second and power play. There is no question that they need to improve their depth at left wing, and bringing in the Toronto, Ontario native could be a nice way to help with that.
Mangiapane was selected with the 166th overall pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Flames. In 498 career NHL games over eight seasons, he has recorded 123 goals, 243 points, and a plus-52 rating.
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