The Boston Bruins organization seems to be at a crossroads with longtime centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci not expected back and about $11 million available in salary cap space to fill nine vacant roster spots. General Manager has some players that could be moved this offseason to free up some money, but if deals can not get done, the Bruins will need a few young prospects to make the jump to the NHL club as early as the beginning of this season. This is a multi-part series that includes options for Boston within their system.
Marc McLaughlin burst onto the scene two seasons ago as a local kid from nearby Billerica, Massachusetts, and scored three goals in his first 11 NHL games with Boston near the end of the 2021-22 regular season. The former Boston College captain showed good skating ability and a decent shot in his limited time. At BC, McLaughlin played 130 games over four seasons and totaled 76 points. After signing with the Bruins as an undrafted free agent for two years at an $883,750 salary cap hit, McLaughlin looked to be a good find for his hometown team.
This past season, McLaughlin played 66 games in the American Hockey League, with the Providence Bruins scoring 13 goals with 17 assists. The 23-year-old played just two games with Boston as veterans Nick Foligno and Tomas Nosek saw most of the action of the fourth line, and trade deadline acquisition Garnet Hathaway solidified the bottom six later in the year. McLaughlin did not see a lot of room on the Bruins roster.
But now that Nosek will move on in free agency and the rights to sign Foligno were sent to Chicago, the Bruins might need someone like McLaughlin to take on a role with Boston during the 2023-24 season. The Bruins announced Friday that they have tendered a qualifying offer to the restricted free-agent winger. It is probable that the 6-foot, 200-pound forward will sign the $874,125 offer and remain with the Bruins organization. With the Bruins’ current salary cap restrictions, look for McLaughlin to be a viable fourth-line option out of training camp in September.
Hope things turn out well in the B’s quest for C Men +. I’ve been a B’s fan since 52’ that’s 1952, not 1852. I’ve seen it all. When you have a three to one strangle hold on team, YOU DON’T LOSE, PERIOD! This loss to Panthers was worse than Dryden, Montreal loss in 71, and I saw that! Soooooo. Until they get that “Killer Instinct”, the B’s will be good, but not great. Oh also I remember in 1944 , my father a Navy Commander home on furlough from the Pacific War, and my second cousin Mackie who had come down from NS, walking, from School St and Medford St Somerville in a snow storm to the Garden to see the B’s play.
We are a soft nation indeed. Me? 85.