The Bruins will see some old friends when they play the Panthers next season.
The Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers have formed a fierce rivalry after meeting in the playoffs two years in a row. It should intensify on opening night, as the Bruins will be forced to watch the Panthers raise their Stanley Cup banner to the rafters.
Interestingly, two former Bruins who each faced the Panthers in the playoffs signed with the Cats at the start of free agency - Jesper Boqvist and Tomas Nosek.
After performing well as the Bruins' fourth-line center in 2023-24, Boqvist did not receive a qualifying offer from the Bruins. After hitting the market, Boqvist inked a one-year, $775,000 contract to become a Panther.
Boston Bruins center Jesper Boqvist (70) celebrates his goal as Vegas Golden Knights right wing Sheldon Rempal (56) looks on during the first period at TD Garden on Feb 29, 2024.
Boqvist should compete for a spot in the Panthers' bottom six for next season. He was a solid pickup for the Bruins last season, recording six goals, 14 points, and a plus-12 rating.
As for Nosek, he also signed a one-year, $775,000 deal with Florida. After two solid years as the Bruins' 4C, Nosek joined the New Jersey Devils for the 2023-24 campaign. In 36 games for the Devils, he had two goals, four assists, and a minus-11 rating.
Tomas Nosek
Like Boqvist, Nosek will be hunting for a spot on the Panthers' fourth line next season.
