Don Sweeney Could Look To Sign Some Of These Players

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Austin Sabourin
August 21, 2023 (3:15 PM)

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As National Hockey League training camps approach, the free agent market remains packed with recognizable figures. Don Sweeney should take a look at trying to sign some of these players, as the Bruins have lost a lot of depth this off-season

Opportunities Await

A substantial portion of these players are expected to secure contracts for the upcoming 2023-24 season, while others might earn spots through professional try-out contracts (PTOs) during the new camp.

A Glimpse at the Available Talent

Here's a snapshot of some prominent names still unclaimed, courtesy of Big Head Hockey:

Patrick Kane
Josh Bailey
Jake Gardiner
Jesse Puljujarvi
Max Comtois
Phil Kessel
Tomas Tatar
Zach Parise
Nick Ritchie
Tyler Motte
Zach Aston-Reese
Danton Heinen

Spotlight on a Few

Patrick Kane's return is anticipated post off-season surgery in November or December. The intrigue around him is palpable, with reported keen interest in signing him.

Jesse Puljujarvi, a former fourth-overall pick, underwent double hip surgery in late June. Notably, the Carolina Hurricanes didn't issue him a qualifying offer, rendering him an unrestricted free agent. His comeback timeline remains uncertain due to the extensive recovery period.

Tomas Tatar, a six-time 20+ goal scorer, is also on the market. Recent buzz has linked Tatar to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who seek added scoring depth. While a PTO with the Penguins is possible, a full contract isn't ruled out, even though cap constraints pose a challenge.

Phil Kessel, a three-time Stanley Cup champion nearing 36 years old, presents an interesting situation. Though his ironman streak remains intact for now, options seem limited. Kessel's trajectory shifted from consistent appearances for the Golden Knights to sparse playoff participation, featuring in just four games during their inaugural Stanley Cup triumph.

As training camps draw near, these available players hold the potential to reshape team dynamics for the upcoming NHL season.

Source bladeofsteel