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3 pain points Boston Bruins still need to address in 2024 NHL Free Agency
The Boston Bruins have made significant strides this offseason by adding big-ticket free agents Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. These additions give the Boston Bruins front-line players needed to remain competitive in the stacked Atlantic Division.
While Lindholm gives the Bruins the number-one center they have needed, and Zadorov becomes the team’s top shutdown defenseman, there are still areas to be addressed. So, here’s a look at three points that still need to be dealt with before training camps open in the fall.
3 pain points the Boston Bruins still need to address in 2024
#3: Secondary scoring
The Boston Bruins look to line up Lindholm with sniper David Pastrnak on the top line. In addition, Pavel Zacha looks to flank them on the left side. That leaves a second line featuring Charlie Coyle at center, with captain Brad Marchand on the left side and Morgan Geekie on the right.
Both lines look solid but lack the offensive punch needed to score, especially when the opposition shuts down the top line. Moving forward, the Bruins may be looking to add another top-six winger, potentially moving Zacha down to the second line or Geekie down into the bottom six.
While a top-six forward may not be available via free agency this summer, the Boston Bruins could explore the possibility of a trade.
#2: Depth scoring
The bottom six looks solid defensively. However, concerns arise regarding their ability to score. Projected centers Matthew Poitras and John Beecher, while good depth pieces, won’t be lighting the lamp very often. Similarly, wingers like Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, and Mark Kastelic aren’t expected to contribute much on the scoresheet.
So, the Bruins will need to explore depth-scoring options, especially in support of the top six. Perhaps internal options may emerge, particularly as replacements for departed free agents like Milan Lucic and James van Riemsdyk.
#1: Starting goaltender
In theory, the Boston Bruins are set with Jeremy Swayman in goal. However, Swayman is yet to sign a new contract. Until Swayman signs, recently acquired Joonas Korpisalo is the only netminder under contract.
It’s worth pointing out that Swayman signing shouldn’t considered a given. There is still a chance that Swayman may take longer to sign. As a result, the Bruins may need to find another netminder to back up Korpisalo.
While there is no reason to believe that Swayman won’t sign, this item can’t be checked off the to-do list until a deal is finalized. In the meantime, Korpisalo is the main option in the goal.
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