This former Bruins blueliner is still looking for his next contract.
It has been one month since NHL free agency started. With that, most of this year's top UFAs have found their new homes.
Although this is the case, a former Boston Bruins defenseman is still on the free agent market with August just about here: Matt Grzelcyk.
Grzelcyk remains a UFA after posting 12 assists and a minus-9 rating in 69 games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks. During the campaign before with the Pittsburgh, he scored one goal and set career highs with 39 assists and 40 points in 82 games.
While Grzelcyk has yet to be signed at this point in the summer, it is possible that this could change before the start of the season.
Teams looking for more experienced defensive depth could consider taking a flier on Grzelcyk. That remains the case whether it is a one-year contract or a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. He could be a decent bottom-pairing or seventh defenseman for an NHL club to bring in.
Grzelcyk was selected by the Bruins with the 85th overall pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. In 445 games with Boston from 2016-17 to 2023-24, the Charlestown, Massachusetts native posted 25 goals, 110 assists, 135 points, and a plus-137 rating. He spent a good portion of his time with the Bruins on their top pairing with Charlie McAvoy.
With the Bruins' blueline being crowded already, it seems unlikely that they would bring Grzelcyk back. However, the possibility of him landing an NHL deal before the start should not be ruled out.


