3 burning questions Boston Bruins must answer in the 2026 offseason

Given the fact he’s 33 years old, Arvidsson is projected to earn just $4.225 million per year (via AFP analytics). However, the free agency crop is really weak this season, especially at wing. That might encourage Arvidsson to enter the market, and if so, the Bruins would have to cough up a lot more than that.

Do the Bruins try to unload contracts this offseason?

It’s rare for a team in postseason contention to consider selling off pieces of the core. However, the Bruins have a few unfavorable contracts on the board, and some could probably earn value now.

Joonas Korpisalo is a name to watch. The Finnish backup goaltender has been alright as a backup, but he’s making $3 million through 2028 with the contract the Ottawa Senators signed him to. He has just a 10-team no-trade clause, so the Bruins would be wise to shop him, especially with Michael DiPietro waiting in the American Hockey League.

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Henry Jokiharju is another name to consider. He was basically a non-factor down the stretch, only playing in 41 games last season, and his $3 million per year term isn’t desirable for a third-pairing defenseman. However, he’s only 27, so there could be a team that thinks they could get something out of Jokiharju.

Casey Mittlelstadt could become trade bait too. He’s earning $5.75 million next season before becoming a UFA in 2027. He deserves credit for performing decently this season (42 points through 71 games) after a rough first couple of games with the Bruins (six points in 18 games).

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However, it’s unknown where he fits in the Bruins’ long-term plans. With guys like Minten and eventually James Hagens taking the reins as top-six centers, it might be wise for Boston to move Mittlelstadt for some draft capital. I think if the Bruins aren’t able to retain Arvidsson, that could be a sign Mittelstadt gets moved too.

How do the Bruins improve their defense?

The Bruins forward group is underrated, with star talent (David Pastrnak), young guns (Minten, Khustnudinov, Hagens) and good veterans (Pavel Zacha, Morgan Geekie). That can’t be said about the defense.

Charlie McAvoy is great, and Hampus Lindholm is still good when healthy. Otherwise, the Bruins don’t have much. While Nikita Zadorov is providing positive value and staying healthy, he is signed to $5 million per season. Lindholm and Zadorov are more stay-at-home types than offensive defenseman, too.

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The Top Blue-Line Options

The Bruins need another good offensive defenseman to round out the group, and they should shoot for the stars in this one, even if they just land on the moon. Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson is a name to watch, should he open the market. The Bruins tried to trade for him over the deadline, but the Golden Knights got to him first, and they likely re-sign him.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh is the other top option offensively for the Bruins. He shoots right, just like McAvoy, but he could still provide a jolt offensively without having to take first-pairing matchups.

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If they can’t get either of those names in free agency, they could look in the trade market. There are plenty of good names they could acquire. If they wanted someone older, they could go after Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, and if they wanted younger, they could try to get someone like Oren Zellweger or Pavel Mintyukov from the Anaheim Ducks.

Regardless, the Bruins have a lot they could dangle, whether that’s contracts or draft picks. They have one of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ next two first-round draft picks, along with the Florida Panthers’ 2028 first-round pick. They could put those assets to good use to get over the top.