The Boston Bruins are getting to that point in the offseason where major moves are fading fast. So, the following moves are ones the club could consider as ways of rounding out the roster ahead of training camp.
Among popular late-summer moves are inviting players to camp on Professional Tryout Contracts (PTO). PTOs are a way teams give players one more shot at the NHL, while finding value at an affordable price point.
One such player that comes to mind is Travis Dermott.
Dermott was a second-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2015 NHL Draft. The Bruins faced Dermott quite a bit during his time in Toronto. However, the Leafs let Dermott go during the 2021-22 season, trading him to the Vancouver Canucks.
Since then, Dermott has played for the Canucks, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, and Minnesota Wild. Last season, the Oilers reclaimed Dermott after the Wild placed him on waivers. He spent the remainder of the season in the AHL playing for the Bakersfield Condors.
The Bruins could take a flyer on Dermott, hoping he could crack the NHL roster. Of course, Dermott would have to knock the club’s socks off to actually make the top six. At best, Dermott is a seventh or eighth defenseman.
But then again, teams can never have enough depth on the blue line. Injuries are a common occurrence. So, having blue liners with NHL experience is always a nice-to-have.
Bruins Could Use Blue Line Insurance
The Bruins will enter this season with some question marks surrounding the team. Specifically, the club’s blue line has two major question marks.
Firstly, there’s Hampus Lindholm. The Bruins got encouraging news earlier this month regarding Lindholm’s knee surgery. He’s apparently fully healed and ready to contribute this upcoming season. However, that remains to be seen.
Secondly, Charlie McAvoy will be coming off a shoulder injury that caused him to miss most of the regular season following the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Like Lindholm, McAvoy should be ready for training camp this fall. But there’s no telling if he won’t be dealing with any lingering effects.
Even if Lindholm and McAvoy don’t suffer any setbacks, injuries can quickly pile up. That’s why the Bruins must consider adding as much blue line depth as possible.
Defense Prospects Could Get a Look in Boston
The Bruins are at a crossroads. On paper, they don’t quite look like a playoff team. They have a solid core, but lack the complementary pieces needed to truly contend for a playoff spot.
While the club could surprise the league, the likelihood that things go south is certainly there. If that’s the case, the Bruins could consider giving some of their blue line prospects a look at the NHL level.
For instance, Max Wanner stands out as one blue liner who could get a look. Also, Jackson Edward and Frederic Brunet could get callups at some point in the season.
Ultimately, the Bruins will look to get some of their prospects a look this upcoming season as the club figures out what it has in the pipeline.
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