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Tag: restricted free agent

  • Is This Ducks Rookie the Missing Piece for the Boston Bruins?

    Is This Ducks Rookie the Missing Piece for the Boston Bruins?

    After a brutal 2024-25 season, it is apparent that the Boston Bruins should be looking to bring in new talent this summer. This is especially true when noting that they traded away several of their key players at the trade deadline and have plenty of cap space to work with.

    With the offseason now underway, the focus is shifting to what the team can do to rebuild and improve. One area where the Bruins need immediate help is their top six forwards, and one name that stands out as a potential fit is Mason McTavish.

    Why McTavish Could Be a Perfect Fit?

    McTavish, 22, is a pending restricted free agent this summer, and he is precisely the kind of player the Bruins should consider targeting with an offer sheet. If successfully brought in, he would give the Bruins a long-term notable boost at center, which is undoubtedly a massive need.

    But that’s not all — McTavish can also play the wing, so he could help the Bruins’ depth on the second line or in the bottom six as well. His versatility makes him even more appealing.

    If not through an offer sheet, he could also make sense as a trade target for the Bruins. However, with McTavish being a young center with good upside, it would undoubtedly cost the Bruins a significant trade offer to bring him to Boston.

    A Rising Star with Proven Production

    McTavish is coming off a strong 2024-25 season with the Ducks, setting new career highs with 22 goals, 30 assists, 52 points, and 70 hits in 76 games. It was a nice step in the right direction for the 2021 third-round pick, but there is reason to believe that he still can hit another level.

    This only adds to his appeal. With his physical game, scoring touch, and ability to play multiple positions, he could immediately contribute to the Bruins’ offensive depth and provide a much-needed spark.

    The Bruins’ Need for a New Center

    The Bruins’ center position has been a major issue over the past few seasons. With the loss of key players like Marchand and Coyle, Boston needs someone who can step in and take control of the middle of the ice.

    McTavish fits that bill. He’s young, hungry, and ready to prove himself at the next level. If the Ducks are open to trading him, or if he becomes a restricted free agent, the Bruins should seriously consider making a move.

    What This Means for the Bruins

    If the Bruins are serious about rebuilding, they need to look beyond the usual suspects and consider players like McTavish, who can fill a role and grow with the team.

    He may not be a household name just yet, but his performance this season and potential for growth make him a valuable asset for any team looking to add a young, physical forward.

    With the right development, McTavish could become a key piece in the Bruins’ plans.

  • Could the Bruins Make a Big Play for a Rising Ranger?

    Could the Bruins Make a Big Play for a Rising Ranger?

    After trading away Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and Trent Frederic, the Boston Bruins are heading into a crucial offseason with serious holes to fill up front.

    With core pieces gone, the team requires a new identity — one that’s physical, gritty, and capable of contributing immediately.

    While unrestricted free agents like Mitch Marner and Brock Boeser will dominate headlines, the Bruins might be eyeing a different path: targeting a restricted free agent who fits their style of play and can bring energy to the roster.

    Young Power Forward Emerging as a Dark Horse Target

    Among the restricted free agents on the market, few are more intriguing than New York Rangers winger Will Cuylle.

    At 23, Cuylle is still early in his NHL career, but the way he plays already aligns with Boston’s DNA.

    A 6-foot-4 forward who doesn’t shy away from contact, Cuylle is the kind of gritty, physical presence the Bruins lacked after shedding multiple core pieces at the trade deadline.

    His physical edge, paired with a breakout season, raises eyebrows among scouts and analysts alike.

    Cuylle’s Breakout Season Speaks Volumes

    Coming off a strong year with the Rangers, Cuylle put up 20 goals, 25 assists, and 45 points while playing all 82 games.

    That alone is a solid progression for a young forward, but it’s his league-leading 301 hits that truly stand out.

    He didn’t just show up — he made opponents feel him shift after shift. That kind of presence would immediately make Boston harder to play against again.

    And with the Bruins needing both production and edge in their middle six, Cuylle could be a seamless fit.

    Versatility Makes Him More Than Just a Power Forward

    Cuylle has the tools to impact the game in multiple ways.

    His strength down low and willingness to battle in front of the net make him a possible power-play option.

    On the flip side, his commitment to defense and high motor could give the Bruins another penalty-kill asset.

    He’s not a one-dimensional hitter — he’s rounding into a true two-way forward with upside.

    Boston Has Cap Space — And a Unique Opportunity

    The Bruins have positioned themselves well cap-wise, which opens the door to more creative acquisitions.

    Offer sheets are rare, but in Cuylle’s case, it could be a worthwhile gamble. He’s still young, controllable, and appears to be trending upward.

    In a post-Marchand era, Boston needs new identity pieces, and Cuylle already plays like one.

    This Could Be the Swing Boston Needs

    Cuylle’s age, style, and growth curve make him a fascinating possibility for a Bruins team in transition.

    He hits, scores, and battles in the hard areas — a combination that’s becoming harder to find.

    Boston has the flexibility, the need is clear, and the fit? Almost too perfect to ignore.

    If the Bruins want to shake things up and get younger without sacrificing identity, a well-timed offer sheet for Will Cuylle might be the most Bruins-like move they could make.