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Top 5 NHL free agents Boston Bruins must target in 2024 offseason ft. Elias Lindholm

Modified May 30, 2024 20:35 GMT

The Boston Bruins have an estimated $20 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly, and 11 players from the 2023-24 roster who will need new contracts, like Jeremy Swayman, Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen.

Realistically, not everyone is returning, meaning general manager Don Sweeney will need to restock the lineup through trades or free agency. Although some elite skaters are hitting free agency, not everyone will fit into the team's structure.

However, Boston will have some holes and a few positions that require an upgrade. Here's a look at some big-name free agents the Bruins could inquire about on July 1.

Top 5 NHL free agents Boston Bruins must target in 2024 offseason

#1. Elias Lindholm (Vancouver Canucks)

Once Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired in 2023, the Bruins' need for a number-one center became the top priority, even though Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha filled in admirably.

As Boston contended for the best record in the NHL, finishing with the seventh best, they were linked to Elias Lindholm all year. The Swedish center began his season with the Calgary Flames, getting traded to the Vancouver Canucks before the NHL deadline.

Now, as a free agent, the two parties will share the rumor mill again until Lindholm signs somewhere or the Bruins find another top center. Until then, the chatter will continue, and he'll be a top target.

#2. Sean Monahan (Winnipeg Jets)

Sean Monahan was dealt away from the Flames to clear his contract off the books and give the former sixth-overall pick a fresh start with another team. After finally getting healthy, he had a stellar campaign with the Montreal Canadiens before a trade to the Winnipeg Jets in February 2024.

Considering that Monahan showed that when healthy, he can still produce at a high level, he's a potential top center that Boston could pursue. As an eight-time 20-goal scorer, there's a chance he finds excellent chemistry with David Pastrnak, and the two put up some numbers together.

#3. Jonathan Marchessault (Vegas Golden Knights)

Not every day, a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner hits free agency, but that's the case of Jonathan Marchessault, who was the playoff MVP when the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup in 2023.

Naturally, months before his contract renewal, he had the best season of his career, scoring a career-high 42 goals on a Golden Knights team that barely qualified for the playoffs and did not repeat as champions.

At 33, Marchessault has proven he has plenty left to give. He could be an excellent fit for the Bruins, especially after playing the last two seasons under the former Boston head coach Bruce Cassidy.

#4. Matt Duchene (Dallas Stars)

Matt Duchene is a well-traveled veteran who has 809 points in 1,056 games. After a successful stint with the Nashville Predators, they bought him last summer, forcing him to relocate to the Dallas Stars as a free agent.

He's playing in the Western Conference Final and coming off 65 points in 80 games. As another skater on the list at 33 years old, Duchene could look to sign with a contender team, making Boston a great spot to relocate for a player still chasing his first Stanley Cup.

#5. Adam Henrique (Edmonton Oilers)

Adam Henrique had a respectable season with the Anaheim Ducks, with 42 points in 60 games on a team that ranked near the bottom of the league standings.

At the deadline, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. Even though there are rumors that his former team, the New Jersey Devils, is interested in acquiring him, Henrique would be another savvy veteran that the Bruins would be wise to pursue.