Report: Boston Bruins Defenseman To Test Free Agent Market

At the end of every season, we are hanging on the season-ending media availabilities to find out which pending unrestricted free agents will test the free agent market and which players want to stay in town. For the Boston Bruins, there wasn’t much clarity on the roster comings and goings following locker room cleanout day.

Related Post: The Boston Bruins to Begin Contract Talks with Veteran Forward

Recently, David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reported that Bruins defenseman Derek Forbort will be headed to free agency. Forbort is coming off a three-year contract with the Bruins that ended in lackluster fashion. Forbort dealt with injury issues during the 2023-24 campaign that relinquished him to only 35 games played.

With the Bruins additions of Andrew Peeke and the emergence of Parker Wotherspoon and Mason Lohrei, Forbort’s time in Boston has been numbered. Peeke and Wotherspoon are both defensively-minded defensemen who fit the age group of the Bruins core and come in at a cheaper cap hit than Forbort.

Mason Lohrei – Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm – Brandon Carlo
Parker Wotherspoon – Andrew Peeke

Related Post: The Bruins Are at a Crossroads; Rebuild or Reload?

As the Bruins head into the offseason, their defensive core looks to be solidified. The question will be, do the Bruins find themselves in a place to upgrade from Wotherspoon/Lohrei on the left side and take the chance? They’ve been rumored to be after Jakob Chychurn, who may be on the market yet again. There are also plenty of defensive options in Brett Pesce, Brady Skjei, Chris Tanev, and Nikita Zadorov.

Related Post: Are the Ottawa Senators a Fit for Linus Ullmark?

My Thoughts

Derek Forbort wasn’t a major defining factor in the Boston Bruins success. When he signed the 3 x 3 contract, many fans were befuddled by the signing, some saying it was an overpayment. During his first playoff performance, he earned some credit for his defensive play and shot-blocking ability, but let’s be honest, those players aren’t hard to come by.

Seeing Forbort move on from the Bruins is a net positive in my eyes. Andrew Peeke was brought in to play the same role as Forbort but give much more physicality to the position. For the most part, Forbort was underwhelming in the heavy hits department. Take the cap savings and go find yourself a scoring forward, Don.

Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. – Bruins Benders Podcast

Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Elliotte Friedman's Trent Frederic Comments- Would You Invest In This Team?- Bruins Claim Oliver Wahlstrom- Decision Time For Marc McLaughlin?& 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 14. West Coast Road Trip. 41:21
2. Season 4. Episode 13. This Is Not the Sway 01:14:21
3. Season 4. Episode 12. Going Streaking! 55:26
4. Season 4. Episode 11. Have the Bruins Turned a Corner? 01:04:20
5. Season 4. Episode 10. Monty Out. Sacco In. 01:24:35