BRIGHTON — The sting of being eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs was still evident among the Bruins players when they spoke to the media one final time before scattering for the offseason on Sunday.
When they next gather as a group, the Boston roster will have a different makeup after free agency and perhaps trades.
Fanatics Sportsbook
10X$100 BONUS BET
BET MATCH BONUS
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, KY ,MD, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV); (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelpline.org (MA), mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1800gambler.net (WV)
With the Bruins projected to have over $22 million in cap space available and potentially more if Linus Ullmark gets dealt, they’re in a position to chase impact free agents. If Don Sweeney needs any help convincing top-level players to join the Bruins, his current leaders are eager to join his sales force.
David Pastrnak had no suggestions on what type of player the Bruins should pursue but he’d be happy to get involved.
“I don’t like to get into the management stuff. There’s going to be changes. That’s the business we are in. As a player, you understand that and (are) kind of excited as well. But I don’t really get much into it,” he said. “People should be very excited to come play for an organization like Boston Bruins. It’s an honor, an Original Six. I think that’s already enough motivation for players to come here.”
Charlie McAvoy planned to learn if there were any tampering rules he needed to be aware of but was eager to sell the Bruins experience.
“I’d be very happy to do that,” he said. “I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere but in Boston. It’s the best city in the world. They are the best fans in the world. I’m so grateful to be here in the city and if I had the opportunity to sell it to people, I’d absolutely jump at it.
“I know that this is a unique offseason for us to have some money to spend,” he continued. “And if it comes to that, to that point and I’m able to help anybody if they’re looking to come here, I got nothing but good things to say about this.”
Charlie Coyle said it’s not a challenging sale.
“If guys ask or someone wants me to talk, I would,” he said. “It’s an easy thing if you believe in what’s in here. And I think we all do. I certainly do. It’s easy to share that.”
Morgan Geekie was a free agent last year and had heard good things about Boston even before he signed. He doesn’t think the players would have to do much selling.
“Guys around the league know this is a great place to play and I think its something you always have on your resumé,” he said. “Guys who stop here for a bit still talk about it. It’s not something guys need to start pushing. They’ll find their way here.”
NHL free agency opens on July 1.
