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7 remaining unrestricted free agents the Boston Bruins should target

Tyler Pierce|
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 07: Anthony Duclair #10 of the Ottawa Senators in action against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Capital One Arena on January 07, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 07: Anthony Duclair #10 of the Ottawa Senators in action against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Capital One Arena on January 07, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 05: Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the Washington Capitals skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 05, 2020 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Capitals 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 05: Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the Washington Capitals skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 05, 2020 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Capitals 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

7. The Boston Bruins should consider signing forward Ilya Kovalchuk.

When Ilya Kovalchuk decided to return to the NHL in 2018 following a five-year hiatus, many reports indicated the Bruins were in hot pursuit of Kovalchuk’s services.

Kovalchuk ultimately decided to sign with the Los Angeles Kings and played 81 games for parts of two seasons before being bought out in December 2019.

Following his buyout, the Bruins were once again listed as a top contender to sign Kovalchuk, only to see him sign with the rival Montreal Canadiens. Kovalchuk played 22 games for the Canadiens before being shipped to the Washington Capitals for their 2020 playoff run.

Now as a 37-year-old free agent, it’s once again worth pondering whether Kovalchuk would be a savvy signing for the Bruins.

Kovalchuk’s best days are certainly behind him at 37 years old, but the Bruins might be able to push him towards his ceiling with the playmaking of David Krejci setting Kovalchuk up with quality scoring chances.

While Kovalchuk isn’t the attractive name he once was, he might provide a low-risk, high-reward option for the Bruins to address their secondary scoring issues.

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