Which Bruins are on the bubble as the rebuild begins? See 10 players who need to prove themselves. - The Boston Globe
Here's a list of players who will be getting extra scrutiny as the season winds down.
www.bostonglobe.com
Even with only seven games left in the season, including their visit to Montreal Thursday night, the Bruins still might rearrange the roster over the final two weeks of the 82-game grind.
“We’ll discuss that after every game,” said interim coach Joe Sacco following Wednesday’s workout at Warrior Ice Arena. “We may have the opportunity to see a couple more players from Providence come up, and give them an opportunity for the organization to see what they can do — and what those players can do for themselves. I wouldn’t rule anything out as far as that goes.”
With roster spots galore available for the 2025-26 season, albeit with at least a couple of those to be filled by free-agent acquisitions in July, a number of players in camp now find themselves on the employment bubble. No time like the present, as short as it may be, to show what they can do for the rebuilding Black and Gold.
Upward of 10 roster spots are locked up for next season, most notably goalie Jeremy Swayman, defenseman Charlie McAvoy, and forward David Pastrnak, but there is so much more needed if the Bruins are to avoid a second consecutive playoff DNQ.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter, you’re always being judged in this game,” noted Sacco when asked if his charges who are on the bubble sense the opportunity at hand. “That’s whether things are going really good, or if things aren’t going as well as you like — you are always being judged in this profession.”
Among those who should be feeling some extra scrutiny as the season winds down include:
Johnny Beecher (73 games: 3-8–11) — The 2019 first-round pick (30th overall), typically cast in a fourth-line role, has been slow to blossom as an offensive contributor. Based on his work to date over three pro seasons, it’s a coin flip whether the Bruins extend him on more than a one-year deal.
Cole Koepke (66 games: 9-7–16) — Another restricted free agent, age 26, but with no salary arbitration rights. A cheap hire last July (one year, $775,000), this has been his best, most productive NHL season and he has done enough to get extended on a similar deal.
Marat Khusnutdinov (11 games: 2-1–3) His deal ($925,000) is expiring and he also has arbitration rights. Needs to display some finishing kick if he wants to stay.
Jakub Lauko (11 games: 0-2–2) — His second time around with the Black&Gold, after being reacquired from Minnesota in that Brazeau swap. Looks like he’ll never be a point producer at this level, but energy and willingness to engage in contact (33 hits since his return) probably earn him an extension. If not, he gets to walk in July and plenty of clubs will offer him a one- or two-year deal at short money.
Vinni Lettieri (20 games: 3-1–4) — Labeled for unrestricted free agency in July, has enough AHL bonafides over eight pro seasons to find work if the Bruins aren’t interested. If he could pick up 3-5 points down the stretch, it would make for a more compelling case to bring him back in a depth (break glass if needed) role.
Fabian Lysell (5 games: 0-0–0) — Another former first-round pick (21st overall in 2021) finally got a look recently here in his third pro season. Good speed and has shown he can produce at AHL level. Has another year left on his deal, so he’ll be back, unless he’s moved in the offseason. Yet to show much pop at NHL level, but sample size too small.
Henri Jokiharju (11 games: 0-1–1) — Legit NHL skills and an unrestricted free agent in July. Picked from the Sabres at the deadline. Would like to stay. Worth keeping, but at a price below the $3.1 million cap figure he carried from Buffalo. UFA market might bid higher … if so, he’s gone.
▪ Parker Wotherspoon (48 games: 1-5–6) — Willing, competent depth contributor on the third pairing. About to be UFA. Not a guy who can shake some thunder here in the last few games, but has done enough to stay on a one-year deal. Someone might offer him two.
Ian Mitchell (12 games: 0-1–1) — Played for ex-Bruins coach Jim Montgomery years ago at Division 1 Denver. Will be an RFA with arbitration rights. Again, small sample, but has not made a strong case to be extended
Joonas Korpisalo (25 games, 12-9-3, 2.89 GAA, .893 save%) — Well liked in the room, dependable backup and still has three years left on his deal … but likely gone. The problem: he has a $3 million cap hit. If the Bruins can find a taker, they can save at $2 million against the cap by promoting one of their kids (Brandon Bussi or Mike DiPietro) from Providence.
