The Boston Bruins made a notable impact at the start of NHL free agency by securing two significant players: top-six center Elias Lindholm and top-four defenseman Nikita Zadorov. Lindholm was signed to a seven-year contract worth $54.25 million, while Zadorov agreed to a six-year deal valued at $30 million. These acquisitions came shortly after the free agency market opened on Monday.
Prior to these signings, the Bruins had approximately $21.67 million in salary cap space. Following these transactions, they now have around $10.2 million left under the cap. A substantial portion of this remaining cap space is expected to be allocated to restricted free agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who is due for a new contract.
Maintaining some cap flexibility as the regular season approaches is essential for the Bruins. This reserve will provide them with the necessary room to address any potential issues that may arise, such as injuries or underperformance. As such, while the team has made significant moves early in free agency, they might still consider additional adjustments before training camp begins in September. However, any further changes are unlikely to be as impactful as the initial signings.
Looking ahead, the Bruins face several key questions as they prepare for the new season. The primary focus will be on how they utilize their remaining cap space and whether they will make further additions to the roster. Additionally, the team will need to finalize Swayman’s contract and assess how the new players integrate with the existing lineup. The impact of Lindholm and Zadorov on the Bruins’ performance will be closely watched, as their contributions will be crucial to the team’s success.
In conclusion, the Bruins have made a strong statement with their early moves in free agency, adding two high-caliber players to their roster. With a significant portion of their cap space committed, they must carefully manage their remaining funds and consider any further roster adjustments. The coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping their strategy for the upcoming season, and how they address these remaining questions will determine their readiness and competitiveness in the NHL.
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