“We’re in a situation where we can look to add to our core group of guys, and that includes some of the younger guys,” Sweeney said. “But we’re going to be aggressive to be able to complement what we currently have in some areas.”
Solving the goaltending riddle is priority number 1.
Here’s a review of the list heading into the dog days.
Goalkeepers
Jeremy Swayman (25 years old, restricted free agent).
Both Sweeney and Swayman expressed confidence that common ground can be found in a long-term deal. His magnificent postseason showed he can handle a full-time workload. Now is the time to give it to him.
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Linus Ullmark (30, one year left with $5 million).
As desirable as it is to maintain the tandem (“It’s very good,” Sweeney said), the economics will probably be prohibitive. Ullmark’s limited no-trade clause limits the possibilities, but freeing up salary cap space is more important than what can be obtained in a trade.
Brandon Bussi (25, RFA).
He will be first in line to serve as Swayman’s understudy.
Defenses
Charlie McAvoy (26, signed through 2029-30 for $9.5 million per season).
A workhorse that plays in every situation. One of the best body checkers in the league, especially the open ice variety.
Hampus Lindholm (30, signed through 2029-30 for $6.5 million each).
He’s coming off a bad offensive year, but he’s still a beast of a five-on-five, penalty-killing defender.
Brandon Carlos (27, signed through 2026-27 at $4.1 million each).
His ability to disrupt plays in the neutral zone often goes unnoticed. His plus-23 this season did not.
Andrew Peeke (26, signed through 2025-26 for $2.75 million each).
Tough defender who fit in perfectly when acquired at the deadline. Getting Peeke for Jakub Zboril and a third round is a potential highway robbery.
Mason Lohrei (23, signed through 2024-25 for $925,000).
He showed flashes during the regular season but really shined in the playoffs. He has great offensive instincts; he is willing to participate in the work or create on his behalf. As his physical strength develops, so will his complete game.
Young defenseman Mason Lohrei was a revelation this season. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
Parker Wotherspoon (26, signed through 2024-25 for $800,000).
He went from a training camp corps to a valuable depth piece to a starter in the playoffs. He plays with growls.
Kevin Shattenkirk (35, UFA).
Even though he was an effective quarterback in puck movement and on the power play, he provided excellent leadership to the young men on the roster. He wants to continue playing, although it will likely be at another NHL outpost.
Derek Forbort (32, UFA).
The resilient defender was sidelined by several injuries. A highly respected veteran could find more riches elsewhere.
Matt Grzelcyk (30, UFA).
Another player who was bitten by the injury bug (oblique) that prevented him from being at the top of his game. He was reduced to spectator status for most of the postseason. He has made it clear that he would like to stay in his hometown, but he could get caught in a numbers game.
Forward
Brad Marchand (36, signed through 2024-25 for $6.125 million).
The captain isn’t going anywhere. He continues to perform at a high level in all situations. Sweeney’s goal is to make him a Bruin for life.
David Pastrnak (27, signed through 2030-31 for $11.5 million each).
One of the NHL’s elite producers. He led the Bruins in goals and assists while expanding his role on the ice and in the room. His single shot from the elbow strikes fear into everyone.
Charlie Coyle (32, signed through 2025-26 for $5.25 million each).
He accepted the role of number one center and performed well in all situations. His ability to stay away from defenders is mesmerizing and his penalty killing is elite.
Pavel Zacha (27 years old, signed until 2026-27 for $4.75 million each).
He played in a variety of roles (center, wing, power defender, penalty killer), and that could continue next season. Responsible player of 200 feet, although his scoring comes in spurts.
Trent Frederic (26, signed through 2024-25 for $2.3 million).
He set career highs in goals (18) and assists (22) while playing in all 82 games. He plays a physical game and is prepared to continue improving offensively.
Morgan Geekie (25, signed through 2024-25 for $2 million).
He was an excellent off-season signing, playing center and wing and setting personal bests in goals (17) and assists (22). He is physical in all three zones.
Jake DeBrusk (27, UFA).
The speedy winger’s numbers dropped, as he acknowledged that the status of his contract was weighing on him, in addition to a fracture in his hand that he suffered in January. His playoff performance (11 points in 13 games) was a welcome sight. Both DeBrusk and Sweeney have said the door remains open for a return, but he will have other suitors.
Johnny Beecher (23, signed through 2024-25 for $925,000).
A tremendously smooth and fast skater who excelled in the faceoff circle and as a penalty taker. He will be counted on to increase offensive production.
Matt Poitras (20, signed through 2025-26 at $870,000 each).
Offensively gifted, the baby-faced rookie is a resourceful skater and creator. He absorbed some big hits early while vets tested his mettle, but he recovered well before a wear-and-tear shoulder injury required season-ending surgery. Many eyes will be on No. 51 when camp opens.
Matt Poitras showed a lot of promise in his 33 games as a rookie. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Justin Brazeau (26, signed through 2024-25 for $775,000).
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season (literally and figuratively), the 6-foot-5 winger earned a promotion and an NHL contract for his play in Providence. He provided scoring punch and physicality as a presence in front of the net. He will be given every opportunity in camp to solidify a spot on one of the top three lines.
Jakub Lauko (24 years old, signed through 2024-25 for $787,500).
It’s hard not to think that his early-season injury (fractured orbital bones and a gruesome cut) contributed to his season-long slump. He will look to bounce back and bring the type of infectious energy and physicality that are the hallmark of his game.
Danton Heinen (28, UFA).
He worked his way into the top six after starting the season with one PTO. He is responsible in all three zones and stands out as a penalty taker. It would be a surprise if Sweeney didn’t try to keep him in the fold.
Jesper Boqvist (25, UFA).
He struggled to adjust to the Bruins’ system in camp, but after some experience in Providence, he provided a late-season spark with his speed and craftiness. He could be in line for another short-term deal in Boston.
Pat Maroon (36, UFA).
Their contributions cannot be measured in statistics. Rehabilitated from back surgery to serve as a big brother on the ice and in the room during the postseason. He tried in vain to avenge Sam Bennett’s cheap shot at Marchand, but Bennett turned the other cheek. Sweeney said health will be a major factor in determining whether Big Rig will be stationed in Boston next season.
James van Riemsdyk (35, UFA).
Another valuable veteran (11 goals, 38 points), he was slowed by a late-season illness that cost him pounds and possibly points. He will likely skate in different colors next season, a victim in part of the Bruins’ youth movement.
You can contact Jim McBride at james.mcbride@globe.com. FOLLOW IT @globejimmcbride.
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