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Boston Bruins Free Agency: Bruins Best Options

By Joe Palencia |
Jan 24, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Max Comtois (44) and Boston Bruins defenseman Derek Forbort (28) battle for control of the puck during the second period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Max Comtois (44) and Boston Bruins defenseman Derek Forbort (28) battle for control of the puck during the second period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins don’t have much room to add to their roster. They have an arbitration hearing with newly acquired forward Pavel Zacha, extend cornerstone David Pastrnak, and bring back both David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron. All of this needs to be done with just $4 million in cap space.

In order to ensure that they would have the space to do this and still add, they have to trade away one of their $3 million defensemen. The most likely one to go out would be Mike Reilly. Reilly doesn’t have a no-trade clause as Derek Forbort does and it would probably be a little easier to find a taker for him rather than Forbort. But if the Bruins were to add another player like Conor Clifton I think the deal for Forbort would be a little better to stomach for other teams. I think the Bruins could get someone like Scott Mayfield from the New York Islanders. This trade would add a needed defenseman with grit and good lockdown defense and bring in close to $3 million in salary cap relief. This transaction would not only make it so that the front office can improve their team but it will show the fans that they aren’t just satisfied with making the playoffs. This would provide them with the flexibility to try and avoid arbitration, add the two vets they want to and then go and get another piece on the market.

PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 13: Kevin Rooney #17 of the New York Rangers steals the puck from Evan Rodrigues #9 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Six of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 13, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. New York defeated Pittsburgh 5-3. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 13: Kevin Rooney #17 of the New York Rangers steals the puck from Evan Rodrigues #9 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Six of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 13, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. New York defeated Pittsburgh 5-3. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

If the Bruins decide to go this way, the Best option for the Bruins up front is Evan Rodrigues. Since he was signed by the Sabers in 2015, Rodrigues has really found his game and his shot. The deception of his shot opens up his ability to make plays on the ice. He is a middle-six forward that put up 19 goals and 24 assists without missing a game last season and could definitely help out the scoring further down the line-up. Rodrigues is a versatile forward capable of lining up at the center or on the wing. With his lack of size, it would probably be a better idea to slot him on the wing so he doesn’t get pushed around down low.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Mikey Anderson #44 of the Los Angeles Kings looks on during the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at Crypto.com Arena in December 30, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Mikey Anderson #44 of the Los Angeles Kings looks on during the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at Crypto.com Arena in December 30, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

The next need would be a defenseman with a left-handed shot. That’s where restricted free agent Mikey Anderson comes in. The Kings have the right to match any offer Anderson might get. But with training camp right around the corner, there’s a wonder why Anderson and the Kings haven’t just come up with an agreement already. Anderson plays with a calm demeanor that stems from the hockey bloodline in his family. He is fearless on the ice and is willing to sacrifice his body to block shots and lay down some hits, which would definitely help in the defensive zone. He’s a good puck mover and has plenty of room to improve his game as he gets more experience in the league. If the Kings decide to let Anderson go and the Bruins can ink him to a deal, then he could find himself on a team that competes in the playoffs every year.

Any of these moves combined with a good contribution from the farm kids to start the season would be ideal for the Bruins. The beginning of the season will show how good the front office is at talent evaluation with all of their major pieces out on LTIR.

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