The Boston Bruins aren’t making headlines this summer, but that might be exactly the point. While other teams scramble for quick fixes, Boston is quietly positioning itself for something much bigger. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently revealed that the Bruins are eyeing the loaded 2026 free agent class, a group that includes elite young talents like Jason Robertson, Connor Bedard, and Logan Cooley.
With Brad Marchand’s departure marking the end of an era and the team now building around David Pastrnak, Boston appears to be playing the long game. The question isn’t whether they’ll make a move, but which superstar they’ll target when the time comes.
Why Are the Bruins Targeting the 2026 Free Agent Class?
Following their disappointing exit from the 2024-25 season, the Boston Bruins have taken a measured approach to roster construction. They’ve made several practical internal signings this summer: Michael Eyssimont ($1.45 million AAV), Mason Lohrei ($3.2 million AAV), and goalie Michael DiPietro ($812,500 AAV). These moves provide roster stability while maintaining flexibility for bigger plans ahead.
However, it’s what Boston hasn’t done that tells the real story. With Marchand no longer in the picture, the Bruins have avoided major commitments that could hamstring their future spending power.
According to Elliotte Friedman on the “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, the Bruins are “lurking” with their sights set on the stacked 2026 free agency class. The numbers work in their favor: around $26 million in projected cap space for 2025-26, with the NHL salary cap expected to rise to $95.5 million. This financial flexibility could allow Boston to pursue one or even two elite talents when the market opens up.
Elliotte Friedman: Boston’s going to have some cap flexibility; some of these guys who are supposed to be free agents next year, whether they get them or not…they want to take a shot at some of these guys – 32 Thoughts Podcast
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 9, 2025
Which Five Players Could Transform Boston’s Future?
The 2026 restricted free agent class features several game-changing talents who could reshape the Bruins’ trajectory. Here’s a breakdown of the top five targets and how they might fit into Boston’s long-term vision:
1. Jason Robertson – Dallas Stars
Robertson’s availability stems directly from Dallas’ salary cap crunch. Currently in the final year of his $7.75 million AAV contract, the Stars face a difficult decision with both Robertson and Thomas Harley needing new deals. Their projected $28 million in 2026-27 cap space will disappear quickly once negotiations begin.
Evolving-Hockey projects an eight-year extension worth $10.9 million AAV for Robertson, though a shorter deal could reduce the annual hit. With 40-plus goal potential and a developing two-way game, Robertson would slot perfectly alongside Pastrnak to give Boston one of the league’s most dangerous wing combinations.
2. Thomas Harley – Dallas Stars
Harley has evolved into a top-pair defenseman in Dallas, particularly stepping up during Miro Heiskanen’s absence. His bridge deal expires at the worst possible time for the Stars, with projections suggesting an eight-year contract around $9.53 million AAV.
While Heiskanen’s current $8.45 million AAV deal might influence negotiations, Harley’s upward trajectory makes him a premium target. Boston desperately needs a mobile, puck-moving left-shot defenseman to complement Lohrei and Charlie McAvoy on the blue line.
3. Lane Hutson – Montreal Canadiens
Fresh off winning the Calder Trophy, Hutson possesses elite offensive instincts from the blue line that translate to immediate impact. His entry-level contract expires after the 2025-26 season, though Montreal may attempt to lock him up early following their successful extensions of Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky.
Projections point to an $8 million cap hit over seven or eight years. Boston’s pursuit would carry obvious complications given the historic rivalry between the franchises, but players of Hutson’s caliber rarely reach the open market.
4. Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks
Bedard’s name alone generates excitement across the hockey world. While he represents a franchise cornerstone for Chicago, his development has been hampered by a weak supporting cast surrounding him.
Evolving-Hockey projects a potential $10.6 million AAV deal over eight years. Though a departure from Chicago seems unlikely, Boston would explore any possibility of a trade or offer sheet opportunity, especially as they search for their next superstar centerpiece.
5. Logan Cooley – Utah Hockey Club
The former Arizona Coyotes prospect anchors the NHL’s newest franchise in Utah. While Cooley hasn’t yet reached true first-line status, Utah’s aggressive spending approach might prompt them to offer an extension soon, potentially in the $8 million AAV range.
For Boston, Cooley represents a long-term solution at center while adding speed and creativity to a team seeking younger offensive depth throughout the lineup.
Meanwhile, head coach Marco Sturm continues focusing on developing internal talent while GM Don Sweeney and the front office prepare for more aggressive moves down the line. A major acquisition in 2026 could completely reshape the Bruins’ competitive window.
Boston possesses the necessary ingredients for success: ample cap space, an aging but still competitive core, and one of the league’s premier wingers in Pastrnak. If they execute their timing correctly and the market breaks in their favor, the Bruins could transform from a quiet retool into a full-scale reload, potentially landing one of hockey’s most valuable young stars.
