The Boston Bruins had an uncharacteristically bad 2024-25 season, ranking second-to-last in the Eastern Conference, with little to nothing positive to take away from the year.
The lack of activity in free agency would understandably frustrate fans. Still, a recent report from Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast suggests the organization has a plan for the future.
Friedman reported that general manager Don Sweeney may be gearing up to take a proactive approach to a loaded 2026 free agency pool by trading for a player they intend to sign before July 1.
Players slated to be free agents include Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, Martin Necas, Alex Tuch, Artemi Panarin, and the best player in the world, Connor McDavid.
As is the case with most organizations, McDavid should be at the top of Boston’s list.
The Oilers center missed 15 games this past season and still managed to post a 100-point year, thanks to 26 goals and 74 assists. He is an offense-fueling player, a legitimate superstar whose greatness is in his ability to set his teammates up to score rather than incessantly finding the net himself.
The Bruins need a top-six center and there is no better option in the game than McDavid, so if Sweeney and the front office are intent on attacking the free agent market next summer at the expense of enhancing the roster this offseason, eyeing up one of the greatest of all time softens the blow of what may end up being another down year.
Considering the king’s ransom it may take for the Oilers to part with McDavid before the end of next year, Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel is another option. The 28-year-old tallied 94 points in 28 goals and 66 assists while playing 20:32 a night.
Like McDavid, he is a facilitator and while he is not as dynamic, he is still a game-changer at a position of need for a Bruins team that will have to do something to pay off their reluctance to make moves this year and if they cannot make the deal for the Conn Smythe, Ted Lindsay, and Hart Memorial Trophy winner, Eichel is an excellent backup option.
