It was somewhat unexpected that Danton Heinen chose not to re-sign with the Boston Bruins and instead returned to his hometown Vancouver Canucks when free agency opened on July 1. The 29-year-old forward had revitalized his NHL value with a solid season in Boston, scoring 17 goals and 36 points in 74 games after joining the Bruins on a tryout basis last summer due to a lack of interest from other teams.
The two-year, $5 million deal Heinen secured with the Canucks was likely more than the Bruins were prepared to offer, especially as they await clarity on unsigned goalie Jeremy Swayman’s situation. Despite Heinen’s previous success with Boston and his good rapport with coach Jim Montgomery, the Bruins’ financial constraints made it challenging to retain him.
As a result, the Bruins enter the offseason without a clear top-6 winger to pair with Charlie Coyle and Brad Marchand. The opportunity is now available for several young prospects (like Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov) and some bottom-6 players with potential (such as Trent Frederic, Morgan Geekie, and Justin Brazeau) to step up.
The Bruins have strengthened their center position with a seven-year contract for Elias Lindholm and bolstered their defense with Nikita Zadorov. However, they didn’t have the resources to also pursue a top free-agent winger.
Don Sweeney acknowledged the situation: “Our defense is solid, and every player can handle significant ice time. We might sacrifice pursuing a winger due to this focus. With the salary cap limitations, we have to be strategic. We’re hoping for players to emerge into the top-6 role, and there are promising candidates. If needed, we might explore opportunities as the season progresses.”
One potential approach for the Bruins is to bring in a veteran on a training camp invite, similar to how they acquired Heinen and Alex Chiasson last year. Here are a few unsigned players the Bruins might consider:
– Daniel Sprong: The 27-year-old right wing, who scored 18 goals and 43 points last season with Detroit, could be a strong addition. Despite his defensive shortcomings, his past goal-scoring ability makes him a candidate for a top-6 role.
– James van Riemsdyk: At 35, van Riemsdyk had a solid start to the season in Boston but struggled in the latter half. His New England ties make him a potential fit, though his recent performance might limit his chances.
– Mike Hoffman: Known for his goal-scoring, Hoffman is looking for an NHL spot after a disappointing season with San Jose. His recent decline and past off-ice issues might make him a less likely candidate, but he could still be considered for his scoring potential.
– Max Pacioretty: Coming off Achilles injuries, Pacioretty showed he could still contribute with four goals and 23 points for Washington. Although he hasn’t hit 20 goals in four years, he could be worth a tryout given his scoring history.
– Kailer Yamamoto: A former first-round pick, Yamamoto had a down season but showed promise in previous years. His skill and potential upside make him an intriguing option for a reclamation project.
– Blake Wheeler: A former Bruin, Wheeler could end his NHL career with Boston. At 37, he’s seeking a Stanley Cup and might be motivated to return. His impressive career statistics and leadership experience could be valuable for the Bruins.