ESPN gives Boston Bruins a solid 'B' grade for their offseason moves
The Boston Bruins have demonstrated their strategic approach during the offseason, carefully considering their decisions while ensuring their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
One notable move made by the Bruins was the return of fan favorite Milan Lucic. This signing not only pleased the fans but also added to the team's depth.
In addition, the Bruins secured the services of potential breakout players like James van Riemsdyk and Morgan Geekie, showcasing their commitment to finding players with high upside.
While the market dictated a swap from Dmitry Orlov to Kevin Shattenkirk, the Bruins made sure to maintain the integrity of their blueline pairings. This decision shows their dedication to preserving a strong defensive core.
Furthermore, the team is actively working on bringing back Jeremy Swayman, a promising goaltender who proved to be a reliable partner for Linus Ullmark last season.
However, the offseason also saw the departure of Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, as well as Tyler Bertuzzi leaving for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Despite these losses, the Bruins managed to navigate the offseason effectively, earning a respectable "B" grade from ESPN.
The main challenge that remains for the Bruins is re-signing restricted free agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Until this crucial task is accomplished, there is a sense of uncertainty lingering over Boston. General Manager Don Sweeney has allocated a significant portion of the team's available cap space to ensure Swayman's return.
This financial commitment played a role in the trade that sent Hall and Foligno to Chicago, as Sweeney had to free up funds. Nonetheless, Sweeney made notable acquisitions, such as bringing back the beloved Milan Lucic and adding the experienced James van Riemsdyk to bolster the team's depth.
It is worth noting that the Bruins' success in the postseason thus far cannot be fully judged until the Swayman contract is finalized, and the team receives confirmation regarding the returns of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Nevertheless, Sweeney has constructed a flexible lineup that can adapt to various scenarios under the guidance of head coach Jim Montgomery.
Additionally, the Bruins have a pool of promising prospects who are eager to make their mark in the NHL. Overall, the Bruins have made significant strides in improving their depth, positioning themselves as formidable contenders for the Stanley Cup.
Source: Nesn
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