3 Defensemen the Bruins Should Target in Free Agency

The NHL’s upcoming 2024 Free Agency is scheduled to commence on July 1. After working with a minimal cap space last summer, the Boston Bruins now have a bit over $21 million available. Initially, their primary objective revolves around securing goaltender Jeremy Swayman with a lucrative long-term contract. Subsequently, general manager Don Sweeney can venture into the free agency market to make a significant impact.

During the previous season, Sweeney successfully acquired players in free agency who made notable contributions on the ice. Notably, Morgan Geekie and James van Riemsdyk had productive seasons on economical contracts, addressing the team’s offensive needs. It will be intriguing to observe if Geekie can replicate his past successes in the forthcoming 2024-25 season, especially in the second year of his contract.

Although the team possesses financial resources, a cautious approach is necessary to avoid reckless spending. Realistically, the team requires two key additions: a top-tier center and a defenseman to bolster their defensive depth. Today, the focus is on identifying the ideal defensemen for the Bruins to pursue, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of potential targets.

Current State of the Bruins’ Defense

The Bruins encountered a rollercoaster ride in the defense department throughout the 2023-24 season and playoffs. Nevertheless, they boast a solid top-four lineup comprising Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Hampus Lindholm, and Mason Lohrei. Lohrei particularly showcased his capabilities in the playoffs and is poised for a more permanent role in Boston next season with an increased level of responsibility.

Despite their strengths, these defensemen faced challenges in the previous season. Carlo stood out as the most impressive and reliable defenseman for the Bruins in 2023-24. Lindholm struggled during the regular season, while McAvoy did not shine in the postseason. While these four players remain the top choices for the Bruins’ defense, the team requires additional depth on the blue line, particularly for times when their key defensemen are underperforming.

The Bruins’ defensive depth has been a recurring concern for a few seasons. Players like Matt Grzelcyk, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Derek Forbort have shown flashes of brilliance, but there is a likelihood that all three may depart in the upcoming free agency period. Parker Wotherspoon has been effective as a rotational player providing depth and is expected to see more NHL action in the 2024-25 season. However, his presence alone is not adequate to address the team’s defensive shortcomings.

In essence, the Bruins would benefit significantly from a notable addition to their defensive roster. While not necessarily requiring the top talent available in the market, they need a player who can seamlessly fit into the third or fourth defensive position, contributing offensively or excelling in a stay-at-home role to support McAvoy, Lohrei, and Lindholm in their offensive endeavors.

Dylan DeMelo

Dylan DeMelo has been a consistent presence on the Winnipeg Jets’ defensive lineup ever since he was acquired via trade from the Ottawa Senators in the 2019-20 season. Despite being often overlooked, the 31-year-old defenseman, who shoots right, has played a key role on the top pairing alongside Josh Morrissey. His 31 points in the previous season would have ranked him second in overall points amongst the Bruins’ defensemen, trailing only McAvoy.

Having just completed a contract with an average annual value of $3 million, DeMelo is expected to seek a raise this summer. Depending on the extent of the salary increase he desires, the Bruins might have the financial capacity to bring him in. DeMelo could form a strong defensive partnership with either McAvoy or Lohrei and his proficiency as a penalty killer would further bolster an already robust aspect of Boston’s game.

Brett Pesce

Brett Pesce may present a challenge for the Bruins as he is likely seeking a contract exceeding $6 million per year, which might exceed their budget constraints after addressing other roster needs. Pesce, who is 29 years old, is an often overlooked defenseman in the NHL and has consistently performed well for the Carolina Hurricanes since entering the league in 2015.

He specializes as a right-shot, shutdown defenseman who could potentially address the Bruins’ defensive shortcomings and improve their play in their own zone. With over 55% of his starts in the defensive zone, Pesce boasts a career plus-92 rating.

The decision for the Bruins revolves around how much they are willing to invest in Pesce, especially considering that he and Carlo fulfill similar roles on the team. Both players recorded comparable point totals last season (Carlo with 14 in 76 games and Pesce with 13 in 70 games) and are known for their stay-at-home defensive style. Despite being a notable free-agent target, his asking price may ultimately prove to be too expensive for the Bruins.

Brady Skjei

Another defenseman from the Carolina Hurricanes, Brady Skjei, may become a free agent as of July 1st. Skjei is coming off a season where he achieved a career-high of 46 points in 79 games, just one point shy of McAvoy’s team-leading 47 points in 74 games. His potential addition to the Bruins’ defensive lineup would not only enhance their offensive capabilities but also bolster their defensive presence.

Skjei is less likely to enter free agency compared to DeMelo and Pesce, as there is mutual interest between him and the Hurricanes for a contract extension. However, there are concerns about the terms and value Skjei may demand in his next contract. With the Bruins already committed to long-term deals with players like David Pastrnak, Lindholm, and McAvoy, they should carefully consider offering extended contracts, reserving such deals primarily for players like Swayman.

Ultimately, the Bruins’ decision regarding Skjei will be influenced by the market conditions for defensemen during the upcoming offseason. While signing Skjei to a four-year contract could potentially strengthen the Bruins’ blue line, they must avoid committing to a deal that may become burdensome in the future.

Honorable Mentions

John Klingberg’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is uncertain following a season-ending hip injury, which has left him as a bit of an enigma this offseason. Since departing from the Dallas Stars after the 2021-22 season, where he recorded 47 points in 74 games, he has encountered challenges. While he may not be the ideal solution for defensive zone issues, he could potentially boost offensive output on the blue line. The key factor is his current health status. Opting for a one-year contract at the right price point could be a viable option considering the circumstances.

On the other hand, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who had a strong offensive performance in the 2018-19 season, notably achieved 32 points in 80 games for the Florida Panthers after being bought out by the Vancouver Canucks. The Bruins have shown previous interest in him and he might be a cost-effective choice for a short-term contract. However, his performance in the remaining Stanley Cup Final games could significantly influence any potential decision.

Sean Walker was a player linked to the Bruins as a potential target before the trade deadline, but negotiations did not materialize, ultimately leading to his trade to the Colorado Avalanche. As a right-shot defenseman, a sought-after position by the Bruins alongside McAvoy and Carlo, Walker has displayed promising offensive abilities, accumulating 29 points in the 2023-24 season. Once again, the determining factors for his potential signing would revolve around the offered price and contract duration. Despite having ample cap space, the Bruins need to exercise prudence in their financial strategies to avoid future cap-related complications in the upcoming seasons.

Bruins Need to Be Wise

The Bruins have the financial means to invest in defensive upgrades this offseason, but they must proceed with caution. Their top priorities undoubtedly include securing Swayman and acquiring a center. They are keen on avoiding the pitfalls of committing to lengthy contracts that may prove burdensome to manage in the future.

During the previous season, they made astute free agency signings that significantly impacted the outcomes of the 2023-24 campaign. While they have the opportunity to pursue bigger names this summer with a larger budget, they must remain vigilant, especially when contemplating extended contracts that often bear higher risks of not yielding favorable results.

As July 1 approaches in less than a month, the Bruins’ strategies will soon materialize. The upcoming weeks promise to be intriguing. Keep updated with The Hockey Writers for comprehensive coverage of all your free agency updates.