What is the top offseason priority for the Bruins and Flyers, and how can they address it? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
BRUINS COULD HAVE DIFFICULTY FINDING A FIRST-LINE CENTER
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley recently reported that Bruins team president Cam Neely believes his club needs more talent and more speed to compete with the top teams in the league.
Neely believes the Bruins need a first-line center. Studley noted that promising forwards Fraser Minten and James Hagens are candidates to fill that role at some point in their careers. The Bruins felt they had one two years ago when they signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract, but his offensive output is not what is expected of a first-line center.
The Bruins are projected to have over $16.3 million in cap space for 2026-27. They also have another future first-round draft pick to work with if they choose to explore trade partners.
THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes the Bruins have limited options to find a No. 1 center in the offseason.
Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei (NHL Images).
The Bruins have the cap room to add one, and they have tradeable assets such as three 2028 first-round draft picks, forward Matthew Poitras, and defenseman Mason Lohrei.
However, the few centers potentially available, such as Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, could be outside the Bruins’ price range.
The pickings are slim in the free agent market. Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins is 39, spent as much time this season on right wing as he did at center, and isn’t a good match. Former Bruin Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets could also be available.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins might be forced to return with Pavel Zacha centering the first line and Lindholm the second. They could also see how Poitras, Minten, and Hagens develop next season, but it’s doubtful either of them will be ready to fill that role.
THE FLYERS COULD TRADE A WINGER FOR A CENTER THIS SUMMER
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sam Carchidi believes the Philadelphia Flyers must find a high-end center and a defenseman to anchor their power play during the offseason.
The free-agent market is thin on center, prompting Carchidi to speculate that general manager Daniel Briere could turn to the trade market by peddling a winger.
Carchidi noted the Flyers have over $38 million in projected salary-cap space for next season. However, that will be reduced by new contracts for Trevor Zegras, Jamie Drysdale, Emil Andrae, and perhaps Samuel Ersson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with the Bruins, the asking price for Pettersson and Thomas (if they’re available) could be too high for the Flyers. The same goes for Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, who has recently surfaced in trade rumors amid speculation over his future.
Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers might be a more affordable option. He has three seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.625 million. However, he’s best suited in a second-line role.
Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken has also popped up in rumors. He seemed poised for a breakout performance after a promising 44-point performance last season, but he struggled under head coach Lane Lambert this season. The 22-year-old was projected to become a first-line, two-way center during his draft year. He hasn’t established himself in that role yet, but he might benefit from a change of scenery.