Bruins’ Quiet Offseason Hints at Potential Pursuit of $80M Center
The Boston Bruins’ unusually quiet offseason has left many fans concerned about the team’s apparent reluctance to make moves for the upcoming season. While some speculate the Bruins may be positioning themselves to tank for top prospect Gavin McKenna, the bigger picture suggests they are keeping their options open for a significant pursuit next summer—especially targeting the 2026 NHL free-agent class, with Jack Eichel at the forefront.
Eichel is entering the final year of his eight-year, $80 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. At this point, there’s no clear indication of whether he will stay in Vegas or explore free agency. For now, he seems content to play out the season and see where things stand.
Rather than making bold moves this summer, the Bruins appear to be setting the stage for a more aggressive approach in 2026, with plans to target Eichel and other high-profile free agents. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, on his 32 Thoughts Podcast, confirmed that the Bruins are deliberately avoiding major commitments this offseason, choosing to keep their financial flexibility for next year’s free-agent class, which looks far more promising.
In addition to Eichel, star players like Kirill Kaprizov and Artemi Panarin will also hit the market in 2026. While either of these two elite wingers would be a major boost for the Bruins, it’s Eichel who fills their most pressing need: a top-line center. Boston already has a top-tier winger in David Pastrnak, but neither Panarin nor Kaprizov addresses the team’s center position, which remains their biggest hole.
Though Connor McDavid is also poised to be a free agent next summer, it’s unlikely he’ll actually hit the market. That leaves Eichel as the best available center, making him the Bruins’ primary target.
Could the Bruins Make a Trade for Eichel?
Friedman also mentioned that the Bruins might be open to making a trade for a top-tier free agent they could then re-sign before free agency begins. This could mean the Bruins could attempt a trade for Eichel either before or at next season’s trade deadline.
However, this scenario seems unlikely, given that the Golden Knights will likely be aiming for a strong playoff run. The more probable window for a trade would be after the Golden Knights’ season ends, which could mirror the way Vegas acquired Mitch Marner this past summer. Such a trade would give the Bruins exclusive negotiation rights to Eichel ahead of the free-agent market opening on July 1.
Limited Center Options for the Bruins
The Bruins’ options at center beyond Eichel are limited. Other available names include Mikael Backlund, JG Pageau, Alex Wennberg, and former Bruin Charlie Coyle. While these players could provide depth, none are top-line centers, which remains Boston’s biggest need.
Unless Pavel Zacha or Elias Lindholm can step up as legitimate top-line centers next season, the Bruins’ best bet will be to go all-in on Eichel. Failing to land him would likely force the team to search for a top-line center via trade, which could be a difficult task.
As it stands, next season may come down to whether Eichel hits free agency or re-signs with Vegas. For the Bruins, it seems to be Eichel or bust.
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