The Boston Bruins, a team known for their strategic maneuvers, are poised to make some significant moves this offseason. With a projected cap space of over $16 million, they have the financial flexibility to re-sign key players or make bold trades. However, the real question is: which contracts will they unload to maximize their spending power?
One player who stands out is Joonas Korpisalo, the veteran backup goalie. While his performance improved in the second half of the season, the Bruins are carrying an excessive amount of spending on goaltenders, with over $11 million tied up in this position. Moving on from Korpisalo and giving Michael DiPietro a chance as Jeremy Swayman's backup could be a smart move, freeing up cap space and providing a fresh opportunity for DiPietro.
Henri Jokiharju, a depth defenseman, is another player who may be on the move. With Marco Sturm's limited use of Jokiharju, the Bruins could package him in a deal, especially if Andrew Peeke walks. However, Jokiharju's inconsistency could be a concern, making him a less appealing asset.
Mikey Eyssimont, a bottom-six forward, is also a potential trade chip. With a $1.45 million cap hit, he could be flipped to a team in need of regular reps. The Bruins' bottom-six is already full of established NHLers, making Eyssimont a valuable commodity.
Mason Lohrei, a 25-year-old blueliner, is another player who could hold some value. However, his standing with Sturm may be uncertain, and his ice time has decreased. If the Bruins believe he doesn't have more room to grow, he could be a potential trade chip.
Casey Mittelstadt, a two-way winger, is an asset that could be flipped for draft capital or as part of a package for a player with higher upside. With a $5.75 million contract, moving him off the books could allow the Bruins to absorb another contract or two.
Pavel Zacha, a versatile forward, is a player the Bruins would like to retain. However, with rising NHL cap ceilings, Zacha could command at least $8 million per season on a new deal. If the Bruins are hesitant about handing over such a sizable pay raise, they could flip him for a premium asset.
Elias Lindholm, the top contractual headache, is a player the Bruins are stuck with. With a no-movement clause and injury concerns, finding a way to get his contract off the books is a challenging task. A buyout would be painful, as it would result in a cap hit for the next 10 years.
In summary, the Boston Bruins have the financial flexibility to make significant moves this offseason. However, the real question is: which contracts will they unload to maximize their spending power? The answer lies in the Bruins' strategic maneuvers and their ability to identify the right players to trade for a premium asset or to free up cap space.
