The Bruins are expected to be active once NHL free agency opens on July 1, but if Don Sweeney isn’t careful, two veteran names could end up doing more harm than good.
Boston needs to make smart upgrades, not nostalgic signings
This summer, the Boston Bruins have work to do this free agency. With cap space to use and expectations to meet, general manager Don Sweeney is staring down a pivotal offseason. The team has clear holes, especially at center and on the wings, and the pressure to deliver is high.
Earlier this week, the Bruins made their first move, locking up defenseman Mason Lohrei on a two-year extension worth $3.2 million per season. Some might call that an overpay, but it signaled something important: Boston is ready to spend.
Still, not every player hitting the market is worth the investment. Veteran experience is valuable, until it isn’t. Here are two free agents the Bruins should avoid if they want to stay on track.
Mikael Granlund isn’t the right fit for Boston’s top-six
The Bruins need a center, no question. But Mikael Granlund isn’t the answer for this year’s free agency, not now.
At 32, he’s no longer the playmaker he once was. He played a rare 83 games last season thanks to a trade between the Sharks and Stars. His stat line, 22 goals, 44 assists, seems productive, but it’s misleading. Much of that came in San Jose, where the stakes were low. When he landed in Dallas, his numbers dipped and he faded into the background.
Boston’s system demands more, speed, structure, and the ability to elevate teammates. Granlund’s not that player anymore. Giving him term or big money would be a mistake. The Bruins need someone who can anchor a top line, not a veteran whose game is on the decline.
Brandon Saad is no longer a dependable scoring option
Brandon Saad’s name might ring familiar, but his game isn’t what it used to be.
The 2024–25 season was a rocky one. After cutting ties with the St. Louis Blues in January, he finished the year with the Vegas Golden Knights, but his numbers never bounced back. He ended the season with just 13 goals and 17 assists, a noticeable drop from his prior production.
At 32, Saad’s impact has waned. He’s lost a step, and his scoring touch has faded. The Bruins need more from their middle-six forwards, especially when it comes to generating pressure and finishing chances. Saad no longer checks those boxes.
There will be younger, cheaper, and hungrier options available once the market opens. For a team trying to stay competitive in a tightening Eastern Conference, signing Saad would be more about reputation than results.
