The 2023 NHL offseason has begun with Bruce Cassidy and the Golden Knights celebrating their Stanley Cup win in Vegas.

The Boston Bruins, led by Don Sweeney, face cap-related challenges as they enter the summer. With limited cap space and only 13 signed skaters, Boston must shed contracts to retain talent and compete in the upcoming season and beyond.

The Bruins will explore all avenues to create cap flexibility, starting with the league's buyout window opening after the Stanley Cup is awarded.

Veteran defenseman

Mike Reilly

is a potential buyout candidate due to his contract and limited playing time.

If a trade is not feasible, a buyout would save Boston $2.6 million in cap space this season but result in a $1.3 million dead cap hit in 2024-25.

The left side of the defense is the area most likely to be reshaped, and Reilly's departure would benefit both parties. The Bruins aim to trade him to a team in need of an offensive defenseman, such as the Chicago Blackhawks. If a trade doesn't materialize, a buyout is necessary.

The Bruins may also need to part ways with either Matt Grzelcyk or Derek Forbort. Grzelcyk could be a valuable trade chip, while Forbort's cap hit may deter potential suitors. A buyout of Forbort's contract would save $2.3 million this season but result in a $1.16 million dead cap hit in 2024-25.

Furthermore, the Bruins are expected to sever ties with Mitchell Miller by buying out his entry-level contract, despite the resulting cap penalties.

The Bruins must navigate this challenging offseason to position themselves for aggressive retooling next season, leveraging potential cap increases and projected cap space.

source: Boston