It's clear the Bruins are looking to open a new window to try to win a Stanley Cup as the old roster has either retired or moved on. Bruins captain Brad Marchand, Linus Ullmark and Mason Lohrei are some of the prominent names on that list that will need a new contract after next year.
General manager Don Sweeney will only have seven players signed after next year and will have $47 million in the cap space. Granted, it's likely some of this money will be spent on locking up players like Marchand but it gives the team enormous flexibility and potentially a completely new look going into the next five seasons.
With the salary cap going up steady after this year and with this many players unsigned, the Bruins have a chance to do at complete rebuild or retool to put them on a new path. One key player that will be signed long term will be starting goaltender Jeremy Swayman and as he has proven himself to being the overall #1 after a great playoff performance even with the set back of losing in the second round.
It's going to be a fascinating two off seasons to watch Sweeney and his staff navigate through this unprecedented change and give the fan base more hope that this team will be competitive for the next 5 to 10 years.
POLL | ||
Would you be happy with the Bruins going through a rebuild to be ready for the next 10 years? | ||
Yes | 103 | 42.2 % |
No | 141 | 57.8 % |
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