After the Boston Bruins’ second-round elimination by the Florida Panthers in May, General Manager Don Sweeney addressed the media, promising an aggressive approach to free agency starting July 1. With around $23 million to work with, Sweeney aimed to bolster the roster and maintain the team’s status as a Stanley Cup contender.
True to his word, Sweeney quickly signed former Vancouver Canucks players Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov to address needs at center and on the left side of the defense, respectively. Following these acquisitions and a few depth signings, he now has $8.636 million left in cap space, though it’s expected that most, if not all, of this will be allocated elsewhere.
The priority now is securing a new contract for goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Both Swayman and the Bruins opted against arbitration this season, which is a positive sign that a new deal may be imminent. This contract is crucial, especially after the recent trade of Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators.
With limited cap space, Sweeney couldn’t address the need for a scoring winger in free agency, especially after Jake DeBrusk’s departure to Vancouver. Instead, the team will likely rely on young prospects Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov to compete for a wing position during the September training camp. Both players are on affordable deals, which will fit within the cap constraints depending on Swayman’s final contract.
Securing Swayman is vital for solidifying the team’s goaltending position and ensuring he is compensated as one of the top goalies in the league. If Lysell, Merkulov, or another affordable option can step into the wing spot, it will greatly benefit Sweeney and the Bruins for the 2024-25 season.
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