Free agency around the NHL has certainly slowed down now that we are a week into July. Although this is the case, there are still some unrestricted free agents (UFAs) left. Interestingly, a few of them are former Boston Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins] players. Because of this, let's take a look a some former Bruins who are still looking for their new homes now. JAKUB LAUKO After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Bruins before July 1, Jakub Lauko hit the market as a UFA. At this time, Lauko has still not been signed by a new team, but there is clear reason to believe that this should change in the near future. Teams looking for more energy and grit in their bottom six certainly could consider signing Lauko to an affordable short-term deal. This is especially so when noting that he is just 25 years old, so he is young enough where he still could improve his game. In 56 games this past season split between the Minnesota Wild and Bruins, Lauko posted new career highs with five goals and 11 points. He also maintained his physical style of play, finishing the year with 47 penalty minutes. MATT GRZELCYK After playing his first eight NHL seasons with the Bruins, Matt Grzelcyk's time in Boston ended when he signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins last off-season. Now, after playing for the Penguins in the 2024-25 season, he is a UFA again and arguably the top unsigned defenseman. With Grzelcyk being one of the most notable names left on the market, it would be shocking if he does not land a new contract soon. Teams looking for more offense from the point could consider taking a flier on him, especially if they can get him at a reasonable price. In addition, his playoff experience also adds to his appeal. Grzelcyk put together best offensive season of his career in 2024-25 with the Penguins, setting new career highs with 39 assists and 40 points in 82 games. Thus, don't be surprised if this former Bruin gets signed in the near future. CRAIG SMITH Craig Smith is another former Bruin who is still a UFA at this juncture of the off-season. The 35-year-old winger has become a journeyman since he was traded by the Bruins during the 2022-23 season, as he has had stops with the Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings. While Smith's days as a middle-six forward are over, he is still serviceable in a bottom-six role because of his solid defensive play. In addition, the veteran winger is also known for his leadership qualities, so he works well as a mentor to younger players. This and his plethora of NHL experience could lead to a team giving him a shot on a one-year deal. Smith split this past season between the Blackhawks and Red Wings, recording nine goals, 18 points, and 56 hits in 59 games. In 170 games over three seasons as a Bruin, he had 33 goals, 78 points, and a plus-27 rating. NHL News: Former Bruins Forward Calls It A Career [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bcc6ec43-b44a-41c5-93d1-29bda9e2c2ba.webp] NHL News: Former Bruins Forward Calls It A Career A former<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins"> Boston Bruin</a> is officially hanging up the skates. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/nhl-news-former-bruins-forward-calls-it-a-career] Photo Credit: © Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
