The Boston Bruins head into NHL free agency on July 1 with a much different strategy than in previous years.
Instead of saving cap space for a major signing, general manager Don Sweeney made his biggest move during the NHL Draft by acquiring JJ Peterka. With just over $7.5 million in projected cap space remaining, Boston is expected to be more selective in free agency, but the club still hasn’t ruled out bringing back one familiar face.
Bruins Not Out of The Race For 25-Goal Scorer
Veteran winger Viktor Arvidsson is set to become an unrestricted free agent after completing a two-year, $8 million contract.
The 33-year-old couldn’t have picked a better time for a bounce-back season. After battling injuries during previous stops in Los Angeles and Edmonton, Arvidsson rediscovered his scoring touch with the Bruins, finishing the year with 25 goals and 54 points in 69 games while playing a key role on the team’s second line.
Despite the addition of Peterka, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun believes Boston hasn’t closed the door on bringing Arvidsson back. “I wondered where the Bruins’ acquisition of JJ Peterka left pending UFA winger Viktor Arvidsson. The door isn’t totally closed. GM Don Sweeney has kept the dialogue open with Arvidsson’s rep, Kurt Overhardt. Arvidsson seemed reborn last season, putting up a 25-goal campaign,” LeBrun reported.
Arvidsson enters free agency as one of the few proven goal-scoring wingers available, giving him solid leverage on the open market. After his strong season, he’s expected to seek a three- to four-year contract.
That could create a challenge for Boston.
With limited cap space, the Bruins may be reluctant to commit term to a 33-year-old forward, even after his impressive bounce-back campaign.
A shorter two-year contract worth around $10.5 million could appeal to both sides, giving Arvidsson a raise while protecting the Bruins from too much long-term risk.
Another option could be a three-year deal worth roughly $13.2 million. That structure would give Arvidsson the added security he may be looking for while lowering the annual cap hit enough to make it easier for Boston to fit under the salary cap.
The Bruins also have something other teams may not be able to offer.
Arvidsson enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career under head coach Marco Sturm, and that familiarity could play a significant role in his decision. If he values staying in a system where he’s comfortable and has already found success, Boston may have a realistic chance to retain him, even if another club puts a bigger offer on the table.
With free agency opening on July 1, it won’t take long to find out whether the Bruins can work out a new deal or whether one of the league’s top available scorers finds a new home.
