When news that Calgary Flames free agent forward Milan Lucic was given permission by the Flames to speak to other NHL teams about a new contract, the rumor mill immediately included a potential reunion with the team who drafted Lucic back in the second round of the 2006 NHL Draft. For the past few seasons, Boston Bruins fans and media would pose the idea of Lucic returning to Boston, but the $6 million contract attached to the rugged left wing would prove a deterrent. Now, with free reign to negotiate with Lucic, Boston could entertain a low-cost deal to bring the Vancouver native back to Boston.
Lucic was an integral part of the Bruins’ Stanley Cup win in 2011 with five goals, 12 assists, and a plus-11 in 25 postseason games. The Bruins made another run to the Cup Finals in 2013 before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks, and Lucic was even better with 19 points in 22 games and a plus-12 with 72 hits. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound forward was a fan favorite due to his physical style and penchant for big goals. During the off-season in 2015, new General Manager Don Sweeney traded Lucic to Los Angeles as the power forward’s salary rose and production faded.
Since the trade, Lucic has had just two 20-plus goal seasons and has only reached as high as ten goals since. His skating ability has hindered his production, and the wear and tear of his style of play has worn the big winger down. However, the fans still romanticize about Lucic. Should the team explore a reunion that would have to be a one-year, low-cost deal? It could even be Lucic’s last contract. The Bruins reportedly have an interest in retaining Garnet Hathaway, who is a physical agitator. Could Lucic be a “plan B” if Hathaway signs elsewhere?
Another former Bruin could be available via a buyout. Forward Blake Wheeler is a candidate to be bought out by the Winnipeg Jets. Wheeler is 36 years old and has one year left on his contract with a salary cap hit of $8.25 million. Wheeler has one year remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $8.25 million. A buyout would clear $5.5 million in cap space for the Jets in the upcoming season while leaving a cap charge of $2.75 million for the 2024-25 season.
The veteran forward had 16 goals and 55 points in 72 games with the Jets this past season. He added two goals and six points as the Jets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that Wheeler could be a trade candidate. If he is not moved, a buyout is probable and gives the Bruins a chance to reunite with the former fifth-overall pick in 2004.
Wheeler played 221 games with Boston from 2008-2011 and totaled 50 goals and 60 assists before the team traded him in February of 2011 with Mark Stuart in exchange for Rich Peverley Boris Valabik. Peverley was a factor in helping the Bruins win the cup that season.
Will the Bruins keep an eye on Wheeler for a potential short-term deal? Their right wings are David Pastrnak, Jake DeBrusk, who is playing his off-wing with one year left on his contract, and Trent Frederic, who is a restricted free agent. At a reduced rate, Wheeler could be a solid option and provide some third-line scoring touch.
There are many rumors and moves to be made by Boston, who have seven forwards, seven defensemen, and a goalie under contract with $4.9 million in salary cap space. As the deck chairs get moved around, two familiar faces would be intriguing options for the Bruins.
Season 4. Episode 31. The Draft Lottery – Bruins Benders Podcast
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Why bring in old players and let our young kids play in the farm team win or lose let see what are kids can do . We are in a hig mess no cap no draft picks