The Boston Bruins packed up their gear at Warrior Ice Arena and addressed the media. For a number of players approaching free agency, it could be their last visit to the facility. General manager Don Sweeney faces some big decisions, and while his plans are still unknown, tough calls are expected—part of the reality of the offseason.
After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, this offseason carries added weight for Sweeney and the Bruins’ leadership. During media availability, two restricted free agent forwards expressed a strong desire to remain with the team.
When the Boston Bruins cleaned out their belongings at Warrior Ice Arena on Thursday morning, they met with the media. It will be the final time that some members of the Black and Gold will step foot into Warrior Ice Arena again, as there are several upcoming free agents.
What direction general manager Don Sweeney decides to go in with them remains to be seen. There are going to be some tough decisions that are going to have to be made, but that is the nature of the business this time of the year.
After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in nine years, this feels like a make-or-break off-season for Sweeney and the Bruins front office. Two forwards who are restricted free agents (RFAs) this summer made it loud and clear on Thursday that they want to remain with the Black and Gold.
RFAs Morgan Geekie and Marat Khusnutdinov made it clear they want to remain with the Bruins
While speaking to the media, forwards Morgan Geekie and Marat Khusnutdinov both expressed a strong desire to remain with the Bruins. For Khusnutdinov, that path seems relatively straightforward, but for Geekie, it may be more complicated.
Geekie has had back-to-back career years in Boston, with this past season being especially eye-opening. He tallied an unexpected 33 goals, along with 24 assists, for a total of 57 points—all personal bests. His goal total nearly doubled from the previous year, exceeding all expectations.
Now, general manager Don Sweeney must decide if Geekie’s breakout year is a glimpse of his long-term potential or just a flash in the pan, similar to what was seen with Trent Frederic. The question is whether to lock Geekie into a long-term deal or offer a short-term “prove-it” contract. While an offer sheet is expected, a final agreement is far from certain.
Khusnutdinov, on the other hand, had a brief but promising stint with the Bruins after being acquired from the Minnesota Wild at the trade deadline in exchange for Justin Brazeau. He brought energy and speed, highlighted by a goal against Ottawa and former Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark. His solid play down the stretch suggests he could be a valuable asset in the bottom six. Unlike Geekie, Khusnutdinov likely won’t require a hefty contract and could be brought back on a cost-effective deal.