The Bruin Bostons’ offseason has begun, and it is time for management to focus on next season. General Manager Don Sweeney claimed that the team will be “aggressive” in free agency, since the club is just a few moves away from potentially being a top Stanley Cup contender in 2024-25. When it comes to the trade market, Boston doesn’t have many assets to employ to add a key player to the team. In this year’s draft, the Bruins have only three draft selections available from rounds four through six, and there are few prospects to tempt clubs. Linus Ullmark, a goalkeeper in his final year of a four-year contract, may be a valuable trade component. The former Vezina Trophy winner may help the Bruins pull off a successful hockey transaction with half of the league, since the other half is on his no-trade list. Here are five potential acquisitions for the Boston Bruins this offseason:
Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Let us be honest. This scenario is a bit of a pipe dream for UCLA. Draisaitl is a top-five NHL player and earns a lot of money. His contract expires after the next season, and there is speculation that the Oilers will not re-sign the big center. Acquiring Draisaitl would be a boon for Boston, solving a slew of difficulties. However, do the Bruins have enough to deal for him? And are they open to including someone like Mason Lohrei? This is entertaining to consider, but unlikely to be a reality.
Martin Necas, Carolina Hurricanes
Necas is a more viable option for Boston. The Bruins need another young forward with pace and attacking skill, especially if Jake DeBrusk leaves for free agency. Sportsnet Elliotte Friedman, an NHL source, said that the Bruins conducted trade talks with the Carolina Hurricanes regarding Ullmark at the deadline. Calgary and Vancouver have also expressed interest in the 25-year-old center, who had 24 goals and 29 assists in 77 games with the Hurricanes. The 12th overall selection in 2017 also has four goals and five assists in 11 postseason games. Necas is a restricted free agent who will require a new deal.
Jacob Chychrun, Ottawa Senators
According to Bruce Garrioch, a prominent NHL journalist and Ottawa Senators beat reporter, the Senators were among the clubs who sought hard to acquire Linus Ullmark before the 2024 NHL trade deadline. The Bruins have already expressed interest in Chychrun, and pairing the offensive-minded defenseman with Hampus Lindholm and Mason Lohrei would form a formidable left defense combination. Chychrun would have to be re-signed and would most likely earn $6-7 million per year. However, Bruins General Manager adores him, and a deal for Chychrun might be revived if Ullmark’s no-trade list permits.
Brock Nelson, New York Islanders
Rumors are growing that the Islanders may be trading Nelson this offseason. Nelson is 32 years old and is in the final season of a six-year, $36 million contract. This previous season, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward scored 34 goals and 35 assists in 82 regular-season games. Nelson also had two goals and two helpers in the Islanders’ five-game defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. Nelson has scored at least 30 goals in each of the previous three seasons, totaling 275 goals and 256 assists in 840 regular season games and 27 goals and 23 assists in 78 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning
Cirelli has a $6.25 million salary cap charge and no trade protection, making him a potential trade possibility. Add to that the reality that the Lightning just needed defenseman Ryan McDonagh and still want to sign center Steven Stamkos, and Tampa has a bit of a financial headache. Another feature about Cirelli is that the center will obtain a complete no-trade clause in 2025-26. The Bruins could use a viable NHL center, and Cirelli would be an excellent match in Boston. Will the Lightning deal inside the division? Maybe. Maybe not. Cirelli scored 20 goals and 25 assists in 79 games last season. The 26-year-old is also a frequent Selke Award nominee for top defensive forward. If the Bruins are unable to locate a more offensive center, they may consider Cirelli.
The Bruins need help at center and left defense, and the trade market may be the way to go, since Ullmark is one of their few assets. Expect an agreement before the June draft.
