The Boston Bruins are reportedly positioning themselves for a significant move in the lead-up to the 2026 NHL season, potentially targeting a high-profile player from the upcoming free agency class. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has suggested that General Manager Don Sweeney and the Bruins' front office may be aiming to acquire a marquee player a year in advance, with the intention of securing them with a long-term contract extension.
The 2026 free agent market is expected to be rich with talent, featuring notable names like Connor McDavid, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, Martin Necas, Alex Tuch, and Artemi Panarin. While it's unclear which specific players the Bruins are eyeing, the team's strategy appears to involve identifying potential free agents who may not reach an agreement with their current teams and offering a trade package to acquire their rights.
This approach would allow the Bruins to negotiate an extension with the player before they hit the open market, potentially avoiding a bidding war and securing a key addition to their roster. The Bruins have the financial flexibility to make a splash in the 2026 free agency market. With approximately $26 million in projected cap space for the 2025-26 season and the NHL salary cap expected to rise to $95.5 million, Boston could pursue one or even two elite talents.
However, the Bruins' potential interest in top young talents like Connor Bedard and Logan Cooley could face complications. Acquiring Bedard from the Chicago Blackhawks, for instance, seems unlikely, as he is considered a franchise cornerstone. Similarly, Logan Cooley, now with the Utah Hockey Club, is viewed as a long-term solution at center for the newest NHL franchise, making his acquisition challenging.
As the Bruins look to the future, they've made some practical signings, including Michael Eyssimont, Mason Lohrei, and goalie Michael DiPietro. These moves provide roster stability while keeping their options open for bigger moves. The Bruins' new head coach, Marco Sturm, faces the challenge of improving the team's special teams. In the 2024-25 season, the Bruins' power play was among the league's worst, and their penalty kill also struggled.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, the Bruins have released their preseason schedule, which includes matchups against the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and Philadelphia Flyers. The team will play three home games and three away games during the preseason. Several prospects are also vying for a roster spot, including James Hagens and Fraser Minten. Fabian Lysell, has yet to secure a permanent NHL role.
Alternatively, the Bruins might consider a different approach to improve their roster: tanking in the 2025-26 season to improve their draft position. By finishing near the bottom of the league standings, the Bruins would increase their chances of winning the NHL Draft Lottery and potentially selecting a generational talent like Gavin McKenna.
However, some players like Pavel Zacha, are generating trade interest from other teams, such as the Vancouver Canucks and Utah Mammoth. While a trade isn't necessarily the best course of action, the Bruins may receive compelling offers.
