While there is talk of an annual salary of $9 million (7-year contract) for Jake Guentzel, the Boston Bruins want to respond in a big way to the Lightning to remain the kings of the Atlantic Division.
According to the Boston Globe, the Bruins have Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov in their sights. According to what is circulating, the Bruins could announce as early as Monday noon the signings of Lindholm and Zadorov, two high-profile free agents who finished last season with the Canucks.
But beware. The Boston media has a reputation for being easily excited. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
If these rumors come to fruition, these major acquisitions would take up more than half of the $21 million budget that general manager Don Sweeney has on hand for the start of the free agent period.
Both players address needs Sweeney identified last week during his pre-draft press conference in Las Vegas, after noting the club failed to achieve its “ultimate goal of winning” this season.
“We would like to strengthen our presence at center ice”he added.
“That’s where we’re focusing to identify the ideal player, and hopefully sign him at the right time. We’ll also continue to look to strengthen our defense to complement the group we have.”
No. 1 guard Jeremy Swayman, who has yet to sign an extension, could demand a significant portion of the remaining budget, with a long-term contract potentially reaching $8-9 million per year.
Lindholm, who would become the Bruins’ top-line center, is coming off a six-year contract signed with Calgary in 2018, with a salary impact of $4.85 million.
Given his age (29) and his production, as well as the Bruins’ need for a top center, he could ask for up to $8 million over 4 to 5 seasons.
Zadorov, with his size and physicality, signed a contract with Calgary with a salary cap hit of $3.75 million the last two seasons. A similar offer over 4-5 years could be closer to $5 million.
Lindholm had modest production (6-6-12) in 26 regular season games with Vancouver, but was more impressive in the playoffs with 10 points in 13 games.
Zadorov, meanwhile, would bring the size and power the Bruins have lacked since the departure of Zdeno Chara.
With these potential signings, the Boston Bruins could well become the “monsters” of the free agent market this year, ready to do anything to have a chance to win the Stanley Cup…before the window closes.
Meanwhile, Boston is also in the Steven Stamkos case. Clearly, Kent Hughes might be better off staying away. It smacks of one-upmanship…
