We are under a month away from the start of Boston Bruins training camp. They are set to run out a roster they believe can prove analysts wrong and make a run at the playoffs. But just because they are confident in their roster does not mean they can not add some pieces. There are plenty of free agents still available that can help the Bruins next season.
One that no one is talking about is Vladimir Tarasenko. The 34-year-old veteran still has a lot to offer, despite his age, and giving him a PTO would be a great idea. But how can he help the Bruins in 2026-27?
How would Vladimir Tarasenko fit the Bruins roster
Tarasenko had a nice bounce-back season with the Wild last season. In 75 games, he racked up 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points. He also logged two goals and three assists in 11 playoff games. While he is not the goal threat he was earlier in his career, he is still efficient at putting the puck in the back of the net. He was best at applying pressure from the middle of the zone. According to NHL Edge, he had 60 shots from mid-range, which ranked in the 88th percentile.
Now, sure, his underlying metrics were not great last season, and it could be a sign that his production is going to drop. But with his potential being 20-plus goals and 40-50 points, it's worth the risk. The biggest reason the Bruins lost to the Sabres in the first round last season was a lack of offense. Despite a strong regular season, they scored more than two goals only twice in six games. Bringing in someone with 50 career playoff goals would stop that from happening again.
He would slot somewhere in the middle six for the Bruins. They would have him on the second line alongside Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie. He could also fit as the third winger and act as an on-ice mentor to James Hagens. He also could be used on one of the Bruins' two power-play units. With his shot still being decent, he can be the finisher on these units. The guy the team expects to finish the play and score.
Tarasenko can also be a leader in the locker room. Sure, the Bruins have plenty of leaders with guys like Charlie McAvoy, David Pastrnak, and Hampus Lindholm. But you can never have enough leaders in a locker room. Especially one with a track record like Tarasenko's. He knows what it takes to be successful in the NHL and what it takes to win the Cup. With the amount of young talent on the Bruins, being around someone like Tarasenko would be huge for development.
Bringing in Tarasenko is a low risk high reward that can lengthen the Bruins lineup. He could be the piece that helps the Bruins make it back to the playoffs.
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