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Boston Bruins: Five free agents they should be exploring

By Scott Edwards |
ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks skates with the puck against Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins during the game on November 15, 2017 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks skates with the puck against Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins during the game on November 15, 2017 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
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Now that the offseason is full force in the NHL, it is time to look towards Free Agency. On July 1st, the Boston Bruins have an opportunity to add to a roster that is fresh off a Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Now, let’s take a look at five serious options for the Bruins considering their financial situation.

Currently, the Boston Bruins sit with $12.0 million under the cap to spend this free agency. With a solid amount there, Bruins fans eyes may light up at the possibility of even a discussion with the likes of Artemi Panarin or Matt Duchene but we know this won’t be happening.

With Brandon Carlo and Charlie McAvoy both sitting as Restricted Free Agents, they are going to take up a solid chunk of that $12.0 million in cap space. Danton Heinen, Marcus Johansson, and Noel Acciari are all on the market as free agents in their own right.

Following Johansson’s performance in the playoffs, it will be difficult to sign him back. Heinen and Acciari are believable to return but of course things change so we will see. No matter the situation, the Bruins are going to need to add this offseason in hopes of getting back to the Stanley Cup Finals.

There is plenty of talent in this year’s Free Agency, include talent that are around the Boston Bruins price tag. From former all-stars to young, hungry players that would make an instant impact with the signing, Free Agency for the Bruins could be incredibly interesting.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 14: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks skates with the puck during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on March 14, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 6-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 14: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks skates with the puck during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on March 14, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 6-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Corey Perry

The 14 year veteran, Corey Perry, has been one of the best players of the past two decades. The 2010-11 Hart Trophy winner (league MVP) has proven in the past that he can get in the dirty areas and be one of the best wingers in all of hockey. He has scored 20+ goals in 8 of his 14 seasons, including one season where he scored 50 goals.

The days of Perry scoring 30 times a season are gone. That’s not what you would be looking for out of Perry if you signed him to a contract. Don Sweeney and company would sign a low-risk veteran looking to prove something following a completely lost season with the Anaheim Ducks. A risk that can be low cost, which makes it no risk at all.

Last season, Perry totaled 10 points in 31 games before suffering meniscus and MCL injuries in his right knee as season ago. Adding another veteran presence is never a bad thing, and at the age of 34, Perry could find the fountain of youth.

Whether or not David Krejci is on the team for the 2019-20 season is another question for another day, but if he is, a right winger is still needed for his line. David Backes has proved that he is not the fit on that line. Charlie Coyle could be a fit but him centering the third is a better fit. Enter Corey Perry.

Taking a shot with Corey Perry could be a whole lot worse. You won’t be giving him a big contract like David Backes that is coming back to hurt the Boston Bruins. A low deal with Perry, who has plenty of playoff experience in his own right, could prove to be a move that helps get the Black and Gold back to the Stanley Cup Finals.

PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 29: Nashville Predators Right Wing Wayne Simmonds (17) forechecks during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators on March 29, 2019, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 29: Nashville Predators Right Wing Wayne Simmonds (17) forechecks during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators on March 29, 2019, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Wayne Simmonds

There hasn’t been a player linked to the Bruins more in the past few seasons than RW Wayne Simmonds. The former All-Star game MVP has always been seen by fans as a player that would perfectly fit the Bruins system.

Many times, Simmonds has been seen as the trade target at the deadline including this year especially as he was in a contract year. Now, Simmonds is available and will more than likely be cheaper than he would have been at the deadline. While a short term one year type deal could be in the works, Simmonds may take less money for an extra year or two.

The Power Forward is just one season removed from 24 goals, two seasons from 31. If the Bruins were still interested in bringing in a physical wing who was clearly not fit on the Predators a season ago, leading to his price overall dropping, Simmonds would be the way to go.

Offering Simmonds a two to three year deal with an annual salary of $3.5 million would not hurt the Bruins in any way, and could prove to be a beneficial move for the second or third line in the long run.

The Boston Bruins are going to have to take some shots in the dark this offseason due to their salary cap situation, Simmonds may be the exact shot in the arm they need.

EDMONTON, AB – MARCH 30: Alex Chiasson #39 of the Edmonton Oilers lines up for a face off during the game against the Anaheim Ducks on March 30, 2019 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB – MARCH 30: Alex Chiasson #39 of the Edmonton Oilers lines up for a face off during the game against the Anaheim Ducks on March 30, 2019 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Alex Chiasson

When it comes to “sexy” options, this may be the least of the five in that view, but possibly the most believable. Yet another Right Wing, Alex Chiasson proved this past season that he has the ability to light the lamp if given an opportunity. Chiasson had his best season by far and could happily build on it in Boston.

The 6’4, 210 pound wing could add size to a team that was just beat up badly in the Stanley Cup Finals while all of a sudden proving his scoring touch is alive and well. With a career high 22 goals to continue off of, Chiasson could be a great fit either on the second or third line or even fourth line right side.

Chiasson has playoff experience and the physicality it would take to be a great fit on the Boston Bruins at a great price. He will not look to break any teams bank by any means. An annual average of just $1.5 million would hit the spot for him and especially the Bruins.

The fit seems too perfect to be true, the important thing is to just not over pay. Chiasson is a great, low money option if Simmonds, Perry or any of the other options to come demand more than they have earned the past few years. Expect him to be pursued if Noel Acciari moves on.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 12: Justin Williams #14 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts during the second period against the Boston Bruins in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 12: Justin Williams #14 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts during the second period against the Boston Bruins in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Justin Williams

This may be the best option on the table at this point. Justin Williams has proven year after year that no matter the age, he will show up. His presence in the playoffs has become legendary, and his veteran status makes him a cheaper option than most for the amount he will give you.

Williams scored 23 goals while adding 30 assists on a team that he took the role as captain for this past season. As the leader of Carolina, he helped lead his team all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bruins. The Bruins managed to get Williams off his game in route to sweeping him and the Hurricanes. Is there a chance he could come to this team in Free Agency?

Yes. Williams is a three-time Stanley Cup Champion and is for sure to want another before his time is up. The role that he can fill for this team is one that may come off as shocking, but would prove to be very effective.

In 2011 when the Bruins won the Cup, they had two phenomenal lines that managed to help them win the series. One being David Krejci, Milan Lucic, and Nathan Horton. The other? Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and Mark Recchi. Justin Williams could be this seasons Mark Recchi if the team could manage to get Williams to sign a contract.

Breaking “The Perfection Line” up may be scoffed at by fans, but it could prove to be the best move possible. Giving Krejci the skills of Jake DeBrusk and David Pastrnak on his line could be the perfect fix to get back to the Cup, with Bergeron and Marchand staying together, playing with Williams.

Justin Williams could be the perfect fit for this team if the Boston Bruins and Williams could reach a deal. We shall see if it is possible.

DALLAS, TX – MAY 5: Mats Zuccarello #36 of the Dallas Stars handles the puck against the St. Louis Blues in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on May 5, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MAY 5: Mats Zuccarello #36 of the Dallas Stars handles the puck against the St. Louis Blues in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on May 5, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Mats Zuccarello

Mats Zuccarello is a good hockey player. Some would even say really good. But he is not going to get a five-year contract from anyone like he is requesting. His numbers and age do not attest to that.

Zuccarello’s last contract was a four-year, $18 million one given to him by the Rangers. Due to that contract, he has been on the Bruins radar for the past few years around the trade deadline but the price was too much for Boston to spend.

It is less likely now he will receive a contract near that annual average and instead in the $3 million range more than likely. If Zuccarello was willing to take a two or three year deal, it would be worth a discussion for the Boston Bruins, who reportedly have their eye on him already.

Yet another right wing option that could help the Bruins on the second or third line. However, out of all the names on this list, he will be the most expensive by far. Signing Zuccarrello is much like signing Justin Williams. You know for sure what you’re going to get, but this time around it is at a lower price.

All five of these options fill a need for the Boston Bruins on the right side, it is just a matter of what they will have available to them following Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo’s respective deals. Free Agency opens July 1st.

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