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Boston Bruins: Making A Case For Re-Signing Drew Stafford

By Mike Cratty

Mar 15, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Boston Bruins right wing Drew Stafford (19) skates uring the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Boston Bruins right wing Drew Stafford (19) skates uring the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) battles for position with Boston Bruins right wing Drew Stafford (19) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) battles for position with Boston Bruins right wing Drew Stafford (19) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Drew Stafford proved to be a solid addition to the Boston Bruins forward core. How would bringing the 31-year-old winger make sense for the Bruins?

The Bruins aren’t expected to make a big splash in free agency this summer, so they will focus on free agents already in the organization. Drew Stafford is one name that comes up.

After carrying a $4.35 million cap hit the past two seasons, what he will ask for is up in the air. Stafford was acquired as one of the last deals of the 2017 NHL Trade Deadline for a 2018 conditional sixth-round draft pick. It’s safe to say that the price paid was a bargain for the Bruins in their only deadline deal.

As a member of the Bruins last year, in 24 games including playoffs, Stafford had six goals, four assists, and 10 points. Those totals nearly eclipsed his four goals, nine assists and 13 points in 40 games with the Winnipeg Jets. It’s fair to say that Stafford was a good fit in the Bruins lineup, and he is open to a returning to the NHL wearing Black and Gold next season.

The right wing is a weak spot on the Bruins roster and re-signing Stafford could open up some interesting possibilities for the Bruins. Part of the decision to keep Stafford or not will depend on the growth of young guys like Zachary Senyshyn, Jake DeBrusk, Anders Bjork etc. Sure not all of these guys are natural right wings, but we have seen the Bruins play young guys out of their position in the past to see if they can find a good fit.

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