2024 NHL free agents: Four defensemen the Bruins should target originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Bruins’ priorities in NHL free agency should be find a top six center back and a proven goalscorer on the wingbut it wouldn’t hurt to add some depth on the blue line as well.
Just like starting pitching in baseball, you can never have enough quality outfielders.
The Bruins have some veteran defensemen capable of becoming unrestricted free agents next week – Matt Grzelcyk, Derek Forbort and Kevin Shattenkirk. Even if all three sign elsewhere, there may not be much room on the blue line because Parker Wotherspoon and Andrew Peeke could play larger roles next season. Mason Lohrei also needs more ice time to fulfill his exciting potential after a strong rookie campaign.
That said, adding another left shooting defenseman who can kill penalties and provide some physicality would be a good option for Boston. An offensive player who can improve the power play would also help.
Which free agent defensemen should the B’s consider pursuing when the market opens on July 1? Here are four possible adjustments.
Don’t forget to check it out too our list of five free agent forwards the Bruins should pursue.
Age:33
Statistics 2023-24: 8G, 12A at 77GP
Dillon, who is 6-foot-2 and weighs 225 pounds, is a defensive back who can provide toughness, shot blocking and penalty kills if Derek Forbort is not re-signed.
The veteran d-man recorded 241 hits, the 11th most of any player last season, while also blocking 111 shots. He played 2:11 per game on the penalty kill as well.
You wouldn’t expect Dillon to be offensive, but he’s not a liability on that end of the ice. He has scored more than 20 points in three consecutive seasons. He is also capable of playing 18-20 minutes per game, even in the playoffs, which is quite valuable. Dillon also has 83 games of playoff experience.
Age:31
Statistics 2023-24: 10 G, 46 A at 81 GP
Gostisbehere isn’t a great defensive player, but he’s still a very good offensive-minded defenseman who moves the puck well and hits shots in traffic. He scored 56 points (10 goals, 46 assists) in 81 games for the Red Wings last season. He also scored more than 10 goals in three consecutive years. Gostisbehere also continues to be an effective quarterback on the power play, evidenced by his 29 points (two goals, 27 assists) with the man advantage last season.
The Bruins didn’t generate enough offense on their blue line last season — Charlie McAvoy was the only d-man to break 30 points — so it makes sense to pursue Gostisbehere if the front office wants to add a little more scoring to the mix.
Age:32
Statistics 2023-24: 9 G, 23 A at 80 GP
The Bruins were linked to Ekman-Larsson in the past before he was traded from the Coyotes to the Canucks in July 2021. Ekman-Larsson signed a one-year contract with the Panthers last summer and helped them win the Stanley Cup in the beginning of this week. He can now become an unrestricted free agent.
The Swedish defender is no longer an elite player, but his attacking ability is still impressive. He is a good puck mover, can contribute to the power play and helps create scoring chances for his teammates. Ekman-Larsson has recorded 20+ assists in 12 consecutive seasons. He is also capable of playing 20 minutes per game, which is important.
Ekman-Larsson wouldn’t move the needle much for the Bruins, but you could do a lot worse than him on the left side of the third pairing.
Age:27
Statistics 2023-24: 4G, 16A at 73GP
Carrier is an underrated player who went unnoticed in Nashville, where he played with a lot of other really talented defensemen over the years (Roman Josi, Mattias Ekholm, Ryan Ellis, etc.).
Carrier moves the puck well under pressure, something the Bruins have struggled to do effectively against the checking Panthers in back-to-back playoffs. He is also good at defending zone entries and is almost always well positioned. Those traits help him make up for his lack of size at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds. Carrier was also a key part of the Predators’ penalty kill.
The Bruins may not need another sharpshooter on their blue line, but it’s not easy to find smart defensive defenders you can trust against elite competition. Carrier fits that description and is still in his prime at 27 years old.
