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NHL Rumors: Boston Bruins will pursue Steven Stamkos and Milan Lucic

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 10, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Milan Lucic (17) during a face off against the New Jersey Devils during the third period of Boston
Nov 10, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Milan Lucic (17) during a face off against the New Jersey Devils during the third period of Boston /
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The Boston Bruins will do their due diligence this offseason by inquiring about free agent forwards Steven Stamkos and former Bruin Milan Lucic.

After two consecutive years of missing the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Boston Bruins are starting to get a bit antsy. Not only will they likely pursue blue line help during the 2016 offseason, they will be inquiring about Steven Stamkos and former Bruins forward Milan Lucic, according to ESPN’s Joe McDonald.

The Bruins need to improve in multiple areas. They must find at least one more top six forward. Both Lucic and Stamkos would represent significant upgrades for the Bruins. Stamkos and Lucic would both likely spend time playing on the Bruins first forward line with Selke Trophy finalist Patrice Bergeron and 30 goal scorer Brad Marchand. They would also spend time with center David Krejci and young forward David Pastrnak on the second line.

While signing Lucic or Stamkos would unquestionably help the Bruins’ offense become more lethal, could they realistically get the blue line help that they need if they sign either of the two?

Stamkos is absolutely out of the question if the Bruins want to upgrade their blue line. With Stamkos, they’d have 15 players signed and assuming he would sign for $10 million a year, they would have just over $11.6 million to sign six players, including restricted free agent defenseman Torey Krug. He’ll command at least $5 million a year. That leaves them with $6.6 million for five players, which is simply not realistic if the Bruins want to upgrade their blue line.

Lucic, however, is far more feasible. He’d likely command about $6 million in free agency. Using the previous estimations, that would leave the Bruins with $10.6 million for five players, which is much better (but still not ideal).

If the Bruins want to make a splash, signing Lucic wouldn’t be a terrible idea. But it might be better if they save their splash to upgrade their blue line a la Kevin Shattenkirk or Hampus Lindholm.

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