Bruins Losing Ground in the East?

NHL Free agency began with a chaotic flourish on Wednesday. Almost $300 million was passed out by teams hungry to improve entering the 2022-23 season. The Bruins have been one of the teams who has not handed out a hefty contract due to cap restrictions, the anticipation for the returns of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, and a potential whopper of an extension for leading goal scorer David Pastrnak.

Boston finished fourth in a challenging Atlantic Division and lost in the first round of the NHL playoffs to the Carolina Hurricanes in seven games. The Bruins were a good team in 2021-22, finishing with 107 points, and were the fourth-best team in the NHL after the new year. But the lack of a quality second-line center and blue-line depth would send the Bruins home early. With limited cap space, General Manager Don Sweeney has elected to try to persuade Bergeron and Krejci to return for one more season while adding depth pieces. The Bruins acquired talented center Pavel Zacha from New Jersey for reliable veteran Erik Haula to try and add that much-needed center depth.

But as the Bruins navigate through limited cap space and some poor asset management, other teams in the Eastern Conference have made moves to close the gap with the Bruins. In the Atlantic, the Red Wings finished 33 points behind Boston in the standings but signing Andrew Copp (5 years, $5.63 AAV) forwards and David Perron (2 years, $4.75 AAV) will help Detroit significantly. The Ottawa Senators were 34 points behind the Bruins in the Atlantic. Still, they pulled off one of the better moves of the summer by obtaining young goal scorer Alex DeBrincat from Chicago and signing veteran center Claude Giroux to a three-year deal.

Even the bottom-dwelling Montreal Canadiens improved with the acquisitions of forwards Evgenii Dadonov from Vegas and Kirby Dach from Chicago, with the likelihood that more moves will be made. There are three teams behind the Bruins who have made some substantial additions. And that’s just the Atlantic Division.

The Columbus Blue Jackets made the headline by adding the top available free agent on Wednesday by signing Johnny Gaudreau to a seven-year contract. The Blue Jackets also added defenseman Erik Gudbranson to a team that finished with 81 points last season. The Carolina Hurricanes traded for winger Max Pacioretty and defenseman Brent Burns. The New York Rangers signed center Vincent Trocheck. Not to mention talented teams like Florida, Toronto, and defending Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay are still in the division.

If the Atlantic Division was loaded last season, then this season could be even more challenging for a Bruins team in a transition period. Here’s the kicker. The Bruins might be just as good, if not a little better next season. But it still might not be enough to make the postseason.

Season 4. Episode 15. Public Skate Bruins Benders Podcast

Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Hampus Lindholm Injury Update – Should the Bruins accumulate draft picks or target young NHL players to rebuild the roster?- JT Miller and Elias Pettersson are available, are either a fit in Boston?& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersInside The RinkGet Bent Premium HoodieWho knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings. • 100% cotton face • 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester • Front pouch pocket • Self-fabric patch on the backhttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieInside The RinkBruins Benders Long Sleeve T-ShirtEnrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. • 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton • Heather colorshttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Inside The RinkBruins Benders T-ShirtThis t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Side-seamed construction •https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1
  1. Season 4. Episode 15. Public Skate
  2. Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip.
  3. Season 4. Episode 13. This Is Not the Sway
  4. Season 4. Episode 12. Going Streaking!
  5. Season 4. Episode 11. Have the Bruins Turned a Corner?

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