Bruins GM Don Sweeney missed opportunities to secure 3 top free agents
As the free agency period opened, Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney had a clear plan in mind to address the team's needs. However, with limited cap space and an unfortunate inability to retain certain free agents, Sweeney's hands were tied, resulting in missed opportunities for the Bruins.
Several notable names slipped through their grasp, including Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Blake Wheeler, and Filip Zadina, leaving fans questioning the team's offseason strategy and potential impact on the upcoming season.
One player of interest was Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a talented defenseman who had previously been linked to the Bruins in trade rumors during his time with the Arizona Coyotes. However, the opportunity to secure Ekman-Larsson on a team-friendly one-year deal slipped away, as he ultimately signed with the Florida Panthers for $2.25 million.
With the Bruins having an abundance of left-shot defensemen and a need on the right side, acquiring Ekman-Larsson could have provided a valuable solution. The chance to slide him into the lineup alongside a potential trade involving Derek Forbort or Matt Grzelcyk would have added much-needed depth to the blue line.
Another missed opportunity came in the form of Blake Wheeler, a franchise stalwart for the Winnipeg Jets who was placed on waivers and subsequently bought out, making him an unrestricted free agent. Wheeler quickly found a new home, signing a one-year, $800,000 contract with the New York Rangers.
The Bruins could have secured Wheeler on a similar deal, potentially boosting their middle-six scoring and providing depth on the third line. Playing alongside the likes of Morgan Geekie or Charlie Coyle, depending on the decisions of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, could have motivated Wheeler to have a strong season, benefiting both himself and the Bruins.
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The final missed opportunity lies with Filip Zadina, a young forward who became available after the Detroit Red Wings acquired Alex Debrincat from the Ottawa Senators. Zadina's contract was terminated, making him a free agent, and he ultimately signed a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the San Jose Sharks.
The Bruins had previously found success in acquiring Pavel Zacha from the New Jersey Devils, and Zadina could have been another promising addition. With his upside and potential to thrive in the Bruins' system, Zadina could have found a spot in the bottom six, particularly on the third line, providing valuable depth and contributing to the team's success.
Sweeney's strategy for the Bruins' 2023 offseason became evident - signing veterans to low-risk, high-reward contracts for the upcoming season, with the aim of remaining competitive and bridging the gap until more cap space becomes available next summer.
However, the failure to secure players like Ekman-Larsson, Wheeler, and Zadina raises questions about the effectiveness of this approach. As the Bruins strive to compete for a playoff spot, missed opportunities can prove costly in assembling a roster with the necessary depth and talent.
Ultimately, the Bruins will need to rely on the signings they did make, hoping that their veteran additions can make a significant impact and contribute to a successful season. However, the absence of Ekman-Larsson, Wheeler, and Zadina will undoubtedly be felt as the team navigates the challenges ahead.
