All attention is focused on the Boston Bruins as they confront the implications of Patrice Bergeron’s retirement, the responsibility to duplicate a remarkable season, and the complexities of managing a tight salary cap situation. The team is under significant pressure to preserve their standing in the fiercely competitive Atlantic division.
With August approaching, the NHL experiences a glimpse of its off-season, providing players, coaches, and GMs a brief period to relax and enjoy some time at their cottages, despite the annoyance of mosquito bites.
Nonetheless, the off-season now offers limited relief for NHL players. In contemporary times, the majority of NHLers keep themselves in top shape throughout the year, well aware of the unceasing and emotionally charged expectations coming from fans and the media.
In the THN.com Hot Seat Radar series, we delve into the ongoing pressure faced by individuals within the NHL. Today, our focus centers on the Boston Bruins, where we identify key personnel from each franchise positioned at various levels of the hot seat.
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One individual will find themselves on the hot seat, facing immense pressure to achieve outstanding results in the upcoming year. Another person will occupy the “warm” seat, signifying the possibility that their time with the team might conclude before the 2023-24 season ends, even though no trade or firing is immediately imminent.
Lastly, a third player, coach, or GM will be placed on the “cold” seat, symbolizing their secure and stable position within the franchise, with their status firmly established for the long-term in their respective city. In general, the “Hot Seat” file features three individuals, but under specific circumstances, we may include up to four per team. Since this series is still in its early stages, let’s start by examining Boston:
Under scrutiny for the Bruins: Don Sweeney, General Manager
We want to clarify that Sweeney’s job security is not in question. He has recently overseen one of the most extraordinary regular seasons in history. Although the Bruins’ playoff exit in the first round against Florida was disheartening, Sweeney has rightfully earned another chance to construct a first-rate Stanley Cup contender. Nonetheless, it is evident that he is under significant pressure to achieve exceptional outcomes.
In summary, the Boston Bruins are confronting substantial challenges due to salary cap limitations and the retirement of their captain, Patrice Bergeron. As a result, General Manager Don Sweeney must promptly redefine the team’s identity in the post-Bergeron era.
With only $5.4 million in cap space available, Sweeney must address the void left by Bergeron’s departure, which includes considering contracts for veteran center David Krejci, RFA Jeremy Swayman or another backup goalie, and RFA Trent Frederic.
The absence of Bergeron has given rise to speculations about Sweeney’s interest in Flames star center Elias Lindholm. However, acquiring an experienced center poses a significant challenge, and it remains uncertain what assets the Bruins can offer in a potential trade with Flames GM Craig Conroy.
Given the heightened competition in the Atlantic Division next season, Sweeney’s roster decisions could have a decisive impact on whether the Bruins secure home-ice advantage in 2024 or find themselves settling for a playoff wild-card berth – or potentially a worse outcome.
The NHL operates in a fast-paced environment where current performance is paramount, and Boston must avoid complacency based on past achievements. As the roster manager, Sweeney faces the demanding task of maintaining dominance in the current season while ensuring the team’s future prospects remain strong. Striking the right balance between these objectives is a complex challenge.
Jake DeBrusk, the left-wing player, occupies the “warm” seat for the Boston Bruins
Recently, in November 2021, Jake DeBrusk expressed a desire to be traded from Boston. However, he later resolved the issue with the management, rescinding the request and went on to have an impressive season with 27 goals in 64 games. Currently, the 26-year-old is entering the final year of a two-year contract with a $4-million cap hit.
As an unrestricted free agent next summer, General Manager Don Sweeney faces the decision of negotiating a contract extension for DeBrusk or considering a potential trade. If DeBrusk maintains his offensive performance, he is likely to receive a significant raise starting in the 2024-25 season, considering he will be in his prime and seeking a long-term deal.
Boston should have enough cap space to retain him, but the contract terms could influence his decision to explore opportunities in the free-agent market. In case DeBrusk decides to explore other options, Sweeney may need to adopt a pragmatic approach to facilitate a trade.
While DeBrusk has managed to remain in Boston thus far, another contract negotiation standoff between him and the team wouldn’t be surprising, as the business aspects of the game sometimes take precedence over player-team relationships.
David Pastrnak, the right-winger, finds himself on the “cold” seat for the Bruins
Following Patrice Bergeron’s retirement, the Boston Bruins have now turned to David Pastrnak as the central figure leading the team. At 27 years old, the talented right-winger has recently embarked on the first year of an eight-year contract extension with an annual cap hit of $11.25 million.
Pastrnak’s individual performance has reached new heights, impressively scoring 61 goals in the 2022-23 season, surpassing his previous career high by 13 goals, and accumulating a total of 113 points. He has undoubtedly established himself as one of the top 10 players in the league, possibly even ranking among the top five. Despite his significant salary, hockey enthusiasts wholeheartedly appreciate his remarkable talent and well-deserved earnings.
While many NHL players, no matter how skilled, could potentially be traded for someone better, the same does not apply to Pastrnak. With the exception of a select few like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and perhaps Cale Makar, there is no trade involving Pastrnak that could yield a superior player in return.
He serves as the driving force behind the Bruins’ offense, and the only uncertainty lies in which veterans will greatly benefit from playing alongside him. Pastrnak is undoubtedly a dominant force in the league, and Boston is incredibly fortunate to have him, likely for the duration of his entire career.
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