There are some areas that the Boston Bruins would like to upgrade prior to the 2021-22 season to make a run at a championship. Assuming that Taylor Hall and David Krejci re-sign, then they should be all set with their top-six.
After that, there could be some changes coming.
One area the Black and Gold struggled this season and in the playoffs was with their bottom-six. It’s no secret that upgrading at the bottom should be a priority of general manager Don Sweeney this summer.
Nick Ritchie is a free agent, Jake DeBrusk had a frustrating 2020-21 season and could be a candidate to be used in a trade, while fourth-line center Sean Kuraly is also a free agent and his time wearing the Black and Gold could be done.
Last Friday, the Bruins re-signed fan favorite Trent Frederic to a two-year contract that carries a $1.05 million cap hit and could be a bottom-six option for coach Bruce Cassidy, as long as he’s not selected by the Seattle Kracken in next month’s Expansion Draft.
If the Bruins lose Frederic to the Kracken, Ritchie to either the Kracken or in free agency, Boston does have some young forwards down in the minors that could fill out the fourth-line around Curtis Lazar. If the Bruins need to dive into the free agency pool this summer to add experience, then two options playing for the Stanley Cup right now will be available.