2016 NHL offseason outlook: Boston Bruins

Offseason Needs

The Bruins have several offseason needs, but none of them are as big as their desperate need for help on their blue line. They only have four under contract for next season, though they are expected to re-sign Krug and Colin Miller to fill out their roster. Even then, they have issues. Dennis Seidenberg, Kevan Miller, and Adam McQuaid are third pairing guys at best, but they are earning second or first pairing money. Keith Yandle makes a lot of sense for Boston.

That might sound dark and hopeless, but the Bruins have the San Jose Sharks’ first round pick, which could be a nice bargaining tool to get someone like Kevin Shattenkirk, Tyson Barrie or Sami Vatanen. Boston ought to try to trade Seidenberg and McQuaid. The Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres could make sense for them.

Boston must add a backup goalie since Jonas Gustavsson will be an unrestricted free agent, but that spot could easily be filled by prospect Malcolm Subban. They will need to replace Eriksson as well, but that could come in the form of Jimmy Vesey, who has expressed interest in playing for the Bruins.

The Bruins have a number of young forwards ready to step into larger roles, so they don’t need to add much, if anything, as far as forwards, but adding some depth certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Next: Free Agents