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Boston Bruins: Top 3 free agents still available worth signing

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 29: Mike Hoffman #68 of the Florida Panthers skates prior to the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the BB&T Center on February 29, 2020 in Sunrise, Florida. The Blackhawks defeated the Panthers 3-2 in the shootout. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 29: Mike Hoffman #68 of the Florida Panthers skates prior to the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the BB&T Center on February 29, 2020 in Sunrise, Florida. The Blackhawks defeated the Panthers 3-2 in the shootout. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
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LAVAL, QC – DECEMBER 28: Karl Alzner #16 of the Laval Rocket skates against the Toronto Marlies during the third period at Place Bell on December 28, 2019 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Toronto Marlies 6-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC – DECEMBER 28: Karl Alzner #16 of the Laval Rocket skates against the Toronto Marlies during the third period at Place Bell on December 28, 2019 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Toronto Marlies 6-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Here are three free agents that are still available that the Boston Bruins should consider signing.

With just under a month left until the Jan. 13 start date for the 2021 NHL season, there are still many free agents available that the Boston Bruins should consider signing.

As of right now, the B’s have just under $3 million left in cap space for the 2021 season. This doesn’t leave much room for general manager Don Sweeney to make a huge signing, but moves can be made to clear some room so he can.

With some holes left in the lineup, like replacing David Pastrnak on the first line until he returns and just getting another right wing that can consistently score, and having another experienced defenseman on the left side of the defense, Boston should really consider one of these three guys I’m about to bring up.

3. The Boston Bruins should consider signing Karl Alzner.

At 32 years old, Karl Alzner could be just the veteran defenseman the Black and Gold need. He was recently bought out by the Montreal Canadiens and should be a cheap option to replace Zdeno Chara if he decides not to return to Boston for 2021.

Alzner has suited up for 686 games over his 12-year NHL career. During this time he has been an ironman, playing in every single game for eight straight seasons.

However, the injury bug has caught Alzner over the last two seasons as he’s only playing in 13 games.

Over the course of his career, Alzner has been considered a shutdown defenseman with a career plus/minus (+/-) of +54. However, he doesn’t bring much offensively as he’s never surpassed 21 points in a season and only has 130 career points (20 goals, 110 assists).

But with the Bruins lacking NHL experience on the left side of their blueline, Alzner could be a cheap option to fix this as he could be a solid choice for either their second or third pairing.

Overall, I would consider Alzner a low risk, high reward option. If the B’s were to sign him, he would be very cheap and could be buried in the minors if he’s terrible. But, if he’s good and can play great defense as he has in the past, it could be a genius move.

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