We continue tracking the latest “Bruins Buzz” heading into the beginning of free agency. Right now all the focus is on UFA John Tavares.
Bruins have meeting scheduled with Tavares
Since midway through last week CLNS Bruins insider Jimmy Murphy has been reporting that the Bruins were interested in getting involved in the John Tavares sweepstakes. It now appears that interest is mutual. The Bruins are reportedly one of 5 teams Tavares will meet with in person this week.
Confirmed teams that John Tavares will meet with this week at CAA offices in L.A.: Dallas, Boston, San Jose, Toronto, Tampa (plus of course NYI). The Tavares camp will also have conversations with 2-3 other teams over the phone and perhaps also meet with 1-2 of them.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 25, 2018
Out of those teams, the Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning are the closest to a Stanley Cup. If Tavares’ goal is to win a Cup, those are his best two options.
The Islanders have already offered Tavares a contract reportedly worth $88 million over eight years. Tavares has had at least 24 goals in his past nine seasons on Long Island. He tallied 84 points last season while playing in all 82 games. He’s easily the biggest free agent on the market.
To get him, the Bruins would have to clear cap-space which would mean trading David Backes or perhaps David Krejci who is scheduled to make $7.25 million this season.
Nash Looking for Multi-year deal; Columbus at top of his list
Now that the Bruins lost out on the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes it’s time to turn to plan B. which seems to be Rick Nash.
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline believes Nash favors the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team with whom Nash spent the first 9 years of his career.
Nash, who turned 34 last week, is looking for a multi-year deal, and Columbus is at the top of his list. But could easily return to Boston or sign elsewhere if he believes he can win a Stanley Cup.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 25, 2018
A recent report in the Boston globe suggested Nash could consider retirement because of his history with concussions. Nash had three goals and six points in 11 regular season games with the Bruins last season. In 12 playoff games, he had three goals and two assists.
Mrazek is option to backup Tuukka
The Bruins could be looking for a backup if the don’t re-sign Anton Khudobin and one possible candidate came available yesterday, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Petr Mrazek.
I've been told the Philadelphia Flyers will definitely not be offering goalie Petr Mrazek a qualifying offer tomorrow, which will make the 26-year-old an unrestricted free agent. Should be significant interest at a lower price than the $4 million cap hit he currently has.
— Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) June 24, 2018
Last season, Mrazek went 14-13-6 with a goals-against average of 3.03 and a save percentage of .902. In comparison, Khudobin went 16-6-7 with a GAA of 2.56 and save percentage of .913.
More “Bruins Buzz” throughout the week. Also for the latest on the Bruins incoming draft class CLICK HERE.
