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 10. Monty Out. Sacco In. – Bruins Benders Podcast

The Benders break down Jim Montgomery’s firing. What happens next? Brandon Carlo to Columbus? What are the feelings on Joe Sacco and does he get a legit chance? Reported hard feelings involving Jeremy Swayman?DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subjects to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.

1. Season 4. Episode 10. Monty Out. Sacco In. 01:24:35
2. Season 4. Episode 9. Pasta Been Hurt 01:18:42
3. Season 4. Episode 8. Halloween Night Murder 01:09:43
4. Season 4. Episode 7. The Bruins Are Broken. 01:25:29
5. Season 4. Episode 6. Searching For Answers 01:24:42