With the NHL Entry Draft quickly approaching and the opening day of free agency coming up soon as well, the rumor mill is beginning to swirl. Upcoming free agents are beginning to figure out whether they're staying put or if they are testing the open market, and teams are beginning to send out feelers for the players they are making available for trade this summer.
A quick look at the free agent class doesn't exactly scream top notch, but there are several good players whose camps are beginning to open for negotiations. New Jersey Captain Zach Parise and Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter head up the market for Unrestricted Free Agents, and Nashville defenseman Shea Weber is the top player set to hit Restricted Free Agency. Top of the line players such as Columbus Captain Rick Nash and Anaheim forwards Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf appear to be available for trade, while several other players who are a tier below them, such as Boston forwards David Krejci and Milan Lucic, are rumored to be available. Boston goalie Tim Thomas, who has all but decided to take the upcoming season off, has left the Bruins in a bind with his $5M cap hit stuck on the payroll, severely limiting their ability to acquire talent to help fill out the team's roster. While it is doubtful that another team would take on Thomas' contract if he isn't going to play, one would think the Bruins are going to attempt to move him.
A look at the Bruins' team shows that they do not lack in talent, but a close examination shows that they are in need of scoring and a player to help cure the calamitous power play. The man advantage unit was a disastrous 2 for 23 in the first round against Washington, and it ultimately was a major factor in their downfall this season. General Manager Peter Chiarelli did say that the Bruins have the cap space to go after a star caliber player this summer, and it might be of great help to do so.
The following is a list of possible players that I believe the Bruins could target this off season:
Zach Parise - The 27 year old forward put up tremendous numbers this past season for New Jersey, and will be the most coveted player by all 30 NHL teams this summer. Parise has already stated that he would not sign with the New York Rangers, despite his good relationship with head coach John Tortorella, but would likely change his stance if GM Glen Sather were to throw a pile of money at him. Parise will likely command upwards of $6M, and possibly upwards of $7M per year. While it is unlikely Parise dons the Black and Gold in 2013, it is very likely that the Bruins will at the very least kick the tires on him.
Ryan Suter - Suter, the top UFA defenseman in this year's free agent class, put up great numbers for the Predators in 2012, recording 7 goals and 39 assists for a total of 46 points. Suter's two way play makes him one of the best blue liners in the league, and carries a leadership quality about him that adds to his appeal to prospective teams. The 27 year old would be a huge upgrade for the Bruins on the back end, and would easily make the power play a lot deadlier.
Jamie Langenbrunner - The Bruins could likely benefit from the addition of another veteran presence similar to the one that Mark Recchi provided in his two and half seasons in Boston. The 36 year old forward has seen his stats decline greatly over the past three seasons, but could be a solid addition to the third line. The experienced veteran is a tremendous leader, formerly the captain of the New Jersey Devils and Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics, has won two Stanley Cups in his career, one in 1999 with the Dallas Stars (back when they were actually good) and one in 2003 with the New Jersey Devils. Langenbrunner, in my opinion, would be a great signing and would be a great help in bringing along young guns Jordan Caron, Tyler Seguin, Brad Marchand, and 2011 9th Overall Pick Dougie Hamilton.
Mike Mottau - One thing the Bruins are big on is depth, and re-upping Mottau for another year would be key in providing depth on the back end. The 34 year old defenseman came over at the trade deadline along with forward Brian Rolston from the New york Islanders, and was key in providing much needed defensive depth for the Bruins down the final stretch of the 2012 season. His experience as a stay at home defenseman makes him a good piece to fill in at the 6th defenseman position when needed and stability in the event of injuries.
With the free agent frenzy set to begin next week, the Bruins will have their hands full, between managing the salary cap and adding pieces to build yet another championship team. combine those two factors, and Bruins fans will end up having a team that they should be excited about come October.
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