Five players Bruins should target – NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Bruins are evaluating five unrestricted free agents—Alex Tuch, Viktor Arvidsson, Anthony Mantha, Rasmus Andersson, and John Carlson—to address roster needs. Reports indicate these targets would provide scoring depth and defensive stability in a free agency class lacking first-line superstars.
Why is the trade market the priority for the Bruins?
The current NHL free agency market is described as underwhelming, with no first-line caliber players available. Analysis suggests that superstars rarely reach unrestricted free agency because teams avoid letting them leave without compensation.
Because free agency is now primarily a tool for adding depth, the Bruins may rely on their trade assets to make substantial roster improvements. General manager Don Sweeney has seen mixed results in free agency, with successful low-cost additions like Morgan Geekie in 2023 contrasted by costly deals for David Backes and Matt Beleskey.
Who are the top forward targets for Boston?
Alex Tuch
Tuch is identified as the only legitimate top-six forward in this class. The 30-year-old left wing recorded 33 goals and 33 assists in 79 games, helping the Sabres end a 15-year playoff drought. He brings a physical edge, power-play effectiveness, and 79 games of playoff experience.
Viktor Arvidsson
The Bruins acquired Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers last July for a 2027 fifth-round pick. He recorded 25 goals and 29 assists in 69 games. While he provides speed and scoring depth, his age (33) makes long-term contracts a potential risk.
Anthony Mantha
Mantha recorded career highs of 33 goals and 64 points in 81 games with the Penguins. Despite a history of injuries, including an ACL injury during the 2024-25 campaign, he has scored 20-plus goals in four different seasons.
Which defensemen could fit the Bruins’ roster?
Rasmus Andersson
The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman recorded 17 goals and 31 assists in 81 games. He is capable of playing 21 to 24 minutes per game and could address the Bruins’ need for a top-four defenseman in all situations. However, signing him could carry financial risks similar to the Lindholm contract.
John Carlson
A native of Natick, Mass., the 36-year-old defenseman tallied 14 goals and 46 assists in 71 games. Carlson has scored 10-plus goals in seven of the last nine seasons and possesses 149 games of playoff experience, including a 2018 Stanley Cup title. He is viewed as a short-term upgrade who can quarterback a power play.
What may happen next for the Bruins?
The Bruins are likely to prioritize the trade market first to secure high-impact players. If those efforts fail, the team may pivot to the unrestricted free agent market to fill specific gaps on the right side of the blue line and the wings.
Depending on the contract terms, the Bruins could risk overpaying for veteran defensemen, which may lead to the same financial constraints experienced with the Lindholm deal. Conversely, securing a player like Tuch could provide a significant offensive upgrade over current options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the only legitimate top-six forward available in this free agent class?
Alex Tuch is the only legitimate top-six forward in the current unrestricted free agent class.
What were Rasmus Andersson’s stats for the 2025-26 season?
Andersson recorded 17 goals and 31 assists in 81 games.
Why is John Carlson considered a good fit for Boston?
Carlson is a Natick, Mass., native with a 2018 Stanley Cup title and 149 games of playoff experience.