Boston Bruins
The Bruins have nearly $8 million in cap space, but could clear off additional contracts via trade.
Don Sweeney and the Bruins’ front office will be busy on Wednesday. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
July 1, 2026 | 10:20 AM
2 minutes to read
Don Sweeney and the Bruins have already been busy this offseason, especially after trading away a pair of first-round picks for Utah winger JJ Peterka.
But Boston still has a lot left on its offseason to-do list if it wants to build off the gains that Marco Sturm’s club made this past season.
The trade market seems to be the preferred domain across the NHL so far this summer, due in large part to a surging salary cap and a pretty light free agent class.
But the Bruins could still address a few vacancies and a few deficiencies in their depth chart once free agency begins at noon on Wednesday.
Boston does have $7.7 million in cap space to utilize, although the Bruins would be wise to clear a few more contracts off their books in order to create additional spending power.
As the NHL offseason ramps up, follow along for updates throughout Wednesday’s free agency spending spree.
LIVE UPDATES
10:27: If Toronto can get the reigning Norris Trophy winner without giving up Knies, YIKES.
Bad news for the Bruins when it comes to an Atlantic Division foe, especially with Boston holding Toronto’s 2028 first-round pick.
It’s been assumed Knies will be part of a package if Toronto lands Zach Werenski. See how things develop, but there’s a chance the Leafs won’t have to give up the power forward if this trade comes together.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2026
10:22: It’s already shaping up to me a wacky market out there — especially with A.J. Greer making over $4 million per year with Anaheim and now Bowen Byram making $12.5 million a season on his new deal with Chicago.
McAvoy’s contract ($9.5 million) should continue to age very well, as will David Pastrnak’s sizable contract as the salary cap continues to soar.
That being said, we’re going to see some serious sticker shock later on today once free agency begins.
10:21: Meanwhile, it’s looking like an elite 1C is sticking around with his current team:
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
Per my initial report below, sources say language and details being worked on, C Hischier and @NJDevils closing in on a 5 Yr Contract Extension that lands just shy of $12M AAV. #HockeyX https://t.co/uyFYBYdiYL
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 1, 2026
10:20: For those keeping tabs, here are a few noteworthy targets for the Bruins today. I’d probably put John Carlson at the top of the list, but I’m not sure he’s going to market — and if he does, Tampa looms large.
10:10: Greetings from Warrior Ice Arena!
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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