The estimated salary of Bruins free agents is as follows.
Boston Bruins’ Danton Heinen celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan 20, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)AP
Starting on July 1, seven players from the Boston Bruins in 2023–24 will be eligible for free agency without restriction. They range from a few elderly players trying to make the most of their remaining talent to Jake DeBrusk, who is in the peak of his career and in line for a big payday. What is the likelihood of each individual commanding? AFP Analytics, a player valuation consulting firm, forecasted deals for everyone while The Athletic examined the top 50 free agents available using Evolving Hockey’s algorithm.
Here’s each of the Bruins’ unrestricted free agents and the projections for their next contract:
The Athletic has DeBrusk ranked as the No. 15 free agent available. They project he’ll get a deal of five years for $5,833,000 AAV.
AFP is similar giving DeBrusk a five-year, $5.8 million pact.
If they’re right, the Bruins could certainly stay in the mix for his services.
Danton Heinen
The Athletic’s No. 39. overall free agent is headed for a pretty good pay raise after joining the Bruins on a PTO to start the season. The Athletic thinks he’ll get term too. They expect a deal of four years with an average annual value (AAV) of $3,589,000.
AFP is less bullish on the Heinen market projecting three years for $2.9 million for the versatile 29-year-old forward, who had 17 goals and 19 assists while making $775,000 last year. Given the role he’d likely play in Boston, he’d have probably have to accept closer to AFP to stay a Bruin.
Matt Grzelcyk
Despite a rough year, there is expected to be a market for Grzelcyk. The Athletic has him as its No. 43 free agent getting three years for an AAV of $3,412,000. AFP isn’t far behind with three years for $3.2 million. It’s unlikely he’ll be back in Boston.
