Boston Bruins 2026 OFFSEASON Roster & Salary Cap VI

[Mr. Make-Believe]

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Boston Bruins Thread '2026 OFFSEASON Roster & Salary Cap V'

Wednesday at 7:15 AM

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• Bruinswillwin77
• Replies: 1,182
• Forum: Boston Bruins

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[Aussie Bruin]

Must we?

 

[RoccoF14]

Continue here…

Previous thread:

Boston Bruins Thread '2026 OFFSEASON Roster & Salary Cap V'

Wednesday at 7:15 AM

Continued.

• Bruinswillwin77
• Replies: 1,182
• Forum: Boston Bruins

• 
• 

Do we HAVE to??

 

[RoccoF14]

Must we?

Nice one Aussie......Great minds think alike.

 

[marianne99]

While I'm against moving Chuckie as a concept and posted that I'm against it in the last thread -

What if a McAvoy deal was for something like Fox and Cuylle instead of a bunch of prospects. I picked the Rangers bc of family connections but I'm sure there are other decent options for the framework of a small step down in talent for the dman but also an interesting secondary piece

 

[McBrom7]

While I'm against moving Chuckie as a concept and posted that I'm against it in the last thread -

What if a McAvoy deal was for something like Fox and Cuylle instead of a bunch of prospects. I picked the Rangers bc of family connections but I'm sure there are other decent options for the framework of a small step down in talent for the dman but also an interesting secondary piece

I know you’re just saying Fox and Cuylle as an example, but I never pass up the opportunity to say Fox is outrageously overrated defender and would hate the idea of acquiring him (if the Bruins are giving up McAvoy). To completely contradict myself.. McAvoy/Fox on the right side would be really good.

But anyway, after today the Bruins should be open to any and all possibilities to improve this roster long term. At the end of the day, the core question for the Bruins path needs to be, “can the Bruins win in this environment with Pasta/McAvoy/Swayman leading the way?” If you think the answer is yes, then add.. if you’re even remotely unsure, anything should be in the table. I personally don’t know the answer, so maybe that’s my answer?

 

[PlayMakers]

I don't see how this changes anything for the Bruins.

We knew Florida would be good. Good teams don't always win. Especially in the NHL. Look at Colorado. Look at Vegas who had less points than Boston. They're not going to cancel the season because Florida added Brady.

We also knew Boston wasn't/isn't one player away from contending. It would be surprising if Sweeney was out there trying to cash in all his draft picks and/or best prospects to add 1 big sexy name. Then what? You're still 3 high-end players away from being a Cup favorite.

I still think the Bruins are going to try to improve the team that takes the ice in October, not because it makes them instant Cup contenders but because there are several steps to climb to get to that level, and improving the team gets them one step closer. I also think Sweeney is going to try to do that without sacrificing his best young assets and picks.

Personally, I'd like to see them take a chance on a couple high risk/high reward moves. They need more big wins like Haula for Zacha, Geekie as a UFA and Carlo for Minten...

 

[The don godfather]

I don't see how this changes anything for the Bruins.

We knew Florida would be good. Good teams don't always win. Especially in the NHL. Look at Colorado. Look at Vegas who had less points than Boston. They're not going to cancel the season because Florida added Brady.

We also knew Boston wasn't/isn't one player away from contending. It would be surprising if Sweeney was out there trying to cash in all his draft picks and/or best prospects to add 1 big sexy name. Then what? You're still 3 high-end players away from being a Cup favorite.

I still think the Bruins are going to try to improve the team that takes the ice in October, not because it makes them instant Cup contenders but because there are several steps to climb to get to that level, and improving the team gets them one step closer. I also think Sweeney is going to try to do that without sacrificing his best young assets and picks.

Personally, I'd like to see them take a chance on a couple high risk/high reward moves. They need more big wins like Haula for Zacha, Geekie as a UFA and Carlo for Minten...

Yes stay the path draft and develop and wait this out no panic trades because of what cats have done.

 

[Aussie Bruin]

I don't see how this changes anything for the Bruins.

We knew Florida would be good. Good teams don't always win. Especially in the NHL. Look at Colorado. Look at Vegas who had less points than Boston. They're not going to cancel the season because Florida added Brady.

We also knew Boston wasn't/isn't one player away from contending. It would be surprising if Sweeney was out there trying to cash in all his draft picks and/or best prospects to add 1 big sexy name. Then what? You're still 3 high-end players away from being a Cup favorite.

I still think the Bruins are going to try to improve the team that takes the ice in October, not because it makes them instant Cup contenders but because there are several steps to climb to get to that level, and improving the team gets them one step closer. I also think Sweeney is going to try to do that without sacrificing his best young assets and picks.

Personally, I'd like to see them take a chance on a couple high risk/high reward moves. They need more big wins like Haula for Zacha, Geekie as a UFA and Carlo for Minten...

I agree. Perhaps though it is one more reminder that the NHL landscape has changed forever. The O6 and the like have no inherent advantages anymore and the epicenter of the sport has moved south. Boston is not an unattractive destination but 95% of whatever appeal it does still have is going to be based on the ability of the franchise to deliver on-ice results and make the case that they are on an achievable path towards seriously contending for a Cup. Essentially the same as everyone else who is not currently at the pointy end or is one of the lucky few glam teams of the moment, but with a little more prestige attached.

As such, for a team that is sitting mid-pack and trying to move up, it's a tough road. Especially in the shark tank Atlantic. No gimmies. But we knew this already. So as you say, there is nothing for it but for management to keep chipping away and trying to improve what they have. And for sure, they need to take some chances and find some real wins. That's what the likes of Carolina do so well. Sweeney and co. need to be a little more creative and think outside the box.

 

[BB88]

Yes stay the path draft and develop and wait this out no panic trades because of what cats have done.

Then again you trade Pasta

He’s 30y, he has 3-4 superstar years left, they aren’t close to competing today nor are they really committed to retooling the roster to be contenders on 1-2 years time

The young talent they have isn’t even close to what Buffalo or Montreal have in the same division alone so what’s the plan? Be a WC team and be happy with it?

 

[maswe12]

Then again you trade Pasta

He’s 30y, he has 3-4 superstar years left, they aren’t close to competing today nor are they really committed to retooling the roster to be contenders on 1-2 years time

The young talent they have isn’t even close to what Buffalo or Montreal have in the same division alone so what’s the plan? Be a WC team and be happy with it?

I am starting to lean this way too. The options have been to double down on Pasta/McAvoy, full youth commitment or try to straddle the two. Bruins have been trying to straddle the two but this offseason hasn’t started very well in that regard. Losing out on the top leafs pick for 2 more years is a pretty big blow to support pasta. There’s also and general lack of guys that are available, willing to play in Boston and would improve the team. While Florida adding even more talent shouldnt change the Bruins plans, it shows that there may not be a viable path to compete with them, the Canes, Buff, Montreal in the next 2-3 years. We definitely need to be looking at what kind of value Zacha can get you and I think there should be feelers on Pasta. You look at a team like San Jose who has too many picks/prospects. Could Pasta pull the #2 pick, Misa and maybe more? Those would be really nice assets to build a team that maybe ready in 3-4 years.

 

[SwayHeyKid]

I don't see how this changes anything for the Bruins.

We knew Florida would be good. Good teams don't always win. Especially in the NHL. Look at Colorado. Look at Vegas who had less points than Boston. They're not going to cancel the season because Florida added Brady.

We also knew Boston wasn't/isn't one player away from contending. It would be surprising if Sweeney was out there trying to cash in all his draft picks and/or best prospects to add 1 big sexy name. Then what? You're still 3 high-end players away from being a Cup favorite.

I still think the Bruins are going to try to improve the team that takes the ice in October, not because it makes them instant Cup contenders but because there are several steps to climb to get to that level, and improving the team gets them one step closer. I also think Sweeney is going to try to do that without sacrificing his best young assets and picks.

Personally, I'd like to see them take a chance on a couple high risk/high reward moves. They need more big wins like Haula for Zacha, Geekie as a UFA and Carlo for Minten...

Agreed. They were clearly the 5th best team in the division before the deal and still are. I can comfortably put Ottawa, Detroit and Toronto behind them. I don't think this affects anything there were going to do or not do.

The most sobering part of this is the Bruins werent on the list. They don't seem to be on anyones list anymore, which shows how the mighty have fallen. They used to be a preferred destination,

 

[chizzler]

I am starting to lean this way too. The options have been to double down on Pasta/McAvoy, full youth commitment or try to straddle the two. Bruins have been trying to straddle the two but this offseason hasn’t started very well in that regard. Losing out on the top leafs pick for 2 more years is a pretty big blow to support pasta. There’s also and general lack of guys that are available, willing to play in Boston and would improve the team. While Florida adding even more talent shouldnt change the Bruins plans, it shows that there may not be a viable path to compete with them, the Canes, Buff, Montreal in the next 2-3 years. We definitely need to be looking at what kind of value Zacha can get you and I think there should be feelers on Pasta. You look at a team like San Jose who has too many picks/prospects. Could Pasta pull the #2 pick, Misa and maybe more? Those would be really nice assets to build a team that maybe ready in 3-4 years.

Your reacting to a trade that they had no affect on. Stay the course. This isn’t a one year retool, as much as people want to tell themselves. They have a big decision to make in the direction. We will see how it turns out for Florida. Ottawa didn’t win crap with him. They were injury prone as well. Those things catch up. If not, we still need to maintain the direction.

 

[SwayHeyKid]

Then again you trade Pasta

He’s 30y, he has 3-4 superstar years left, they aren’t close to competing today nor are they really committed to retooling the roster to be contenders on 1-2 years time

The young talent they have isn’t even close to what Buffalo or Montreal have in the same division alone so what’s the plan? Be a WC team and be happy with it?

Thats the Jacobs threshold. 41 capacity crowds and 3 home play-off games. They have won one round in years and yes apparently that is good enough.

 

[SwayHeyKid]

Your reacting to a trade that they had no affect on. Stay the course. This isn’t a one year retool, as much as people want to tell themselves. They have a big decision to make in the direction. We will see how it turns out for Florida. Ottawa didn’t win crap with him. They were injury prone as well. Those things catch up. If not, we still need to maintain the direction.

The same can be said for Pasta and McAvoy then, no? I mean 2019 will be eight years ago spring of 2027.

 

[DKH]

While I'm against moving Chuckie as a concept and posted that I'm against it in the last thread -

What if a McAvoy deal was for something like Fox and Cuylle instead of a bunch of prospects. I picked the Rangers bc of family connections but I'm sure there are other decent options for the framework of a small step down in talent for the dman but also an interesting secondary piece

He has a no trade very young children and his wife’s mother lives nearby

Same as Swayman

They aren’t waiving

We need to accept we aren’t Florida or Vegas and decide do we want to be Bruins fans

I’ve slept on it - I’m going to stay a Bruins fan go to my 30 games but root for Florida in the playoffs because of Brad and the Tkachuks roots in Medford

As for Donny & company

Draft and develop- resign Zacha unless can get the Winnipeg pick (slim) and Arvidsson was a long time Peabody Ghost (my SIM team with all the HF boys and girls) and just drink more and adopt the Scots attitude - not about winning and losing as much as having fun

Draft Friday - let’s go!!!

 

[Bruin4]

 

[Shaun]

hellebuyck and matthews are the best americans still trapped playing in canada and unfortunately we already are stuck with a goalie.

rescuing matthews from toronto would turn things around but the bruins are almost at the point they should trade mcavoy pasta and swayman and do a true rebuild

 

[Dizzay]

Florida has no goalie. Let's call a spade a spade right now. I'm not giving them anything at this point of the offseason. Ottawa just got worse, Tampa just got worse, Detroit is going to get worse with Larkin gone. I look at this as a positive. But let's focus on Florida for a quick sec.

Barkov, just missed basically an entire season with an injury- which he's prone to miss time over the last few years.
M. Tkachuk can't stay healthy to save his life.
Marchand is 38 years old, what's he going to look like this season after coming off a injury riddled season?
Outside of their top 3D, it's pretty baron behind that.
I repeat, they don't have a starting goalie nor a back up signed right now.

This trade means nothing to me other than those two clowns playing together in Florida. Hope they enjoy rolling into Boston with Zadorov, Jeannot, Kastelic ready to welcome them with open arms.

Bruins, be aggressive on the trade front, draft well, play some young guys this season and I'm expecting 100+ point season.

 

[maswe12]

Your reacting to a trade that they had no affect on. Stay the course. This isn’t a one year retool, as much as people want to tell themselves. They have a big decision to make in the direction. We will see how it turns out for Florida. Ottawa didn’t win crap with him. They were injury prone as well. Those things catch up. If not, we still need to maintain the direction.

It’s more of a reaction to a playoffs that showed how far we are and then things not going our way to start the offseason. I think we mostly agree. This is more than a quick retool but I’d like to have a pathway to be something better than a WC team and Im not sure it’s there right now.