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Predicting Which Bruins Free Agents Return or Leave

By Scott Roche

Mar 3, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) during the second period against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) during the second period against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 12: Nick Ritchie #21 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench in the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2021, in New York City. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, games are played without fans in attendance. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 12: Nick Ritchie #21 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench in the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2021, in New York City. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, games are played without fans in attendance. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Nick Ritchie

Acquired at the trade deadline in February of 2019 from the Anaheim Ducks, Ritchie struggled in the seven regular-season games before the COVID-19 shut down in March. Things didn’t get any better in the Toronto playoff bubble as he found himself in the doghouse with not only Cassidy, but Bruins fans as well.

In eight playoff games, he had one goal, but he will be remembered for his major penalty in Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning that basically sank Boston’s Stanley Cup hopes when he buried Lightning forward Yanno Gourde into the boards. During the offseason, it would not have surprised anyone if Ritchie was dealt.

Sweeney held onto the 25-year-old and despite struggling in the middle and the latter part of the season, Ritchie was a big reason by the Bruins began the season 10-1-2. In all 56 regular-season games, he finished with 15 goals and 11 assists. Five of his 15 goals were on the power play.

As the season went on, Ritchie slowed down in the production department, but without a doubt, his play early in the season helped the Bruins without the services of David Pastrnak. This is going to be an interesting decision by the Boston front office as he would fit into the bottom six, but where?

Prediction: Ritchie re-signs.

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