The Boston Bruins have room to improve up front, and one of the most dynamic names on the free-agent board is being whispered about in the free agent rumor mill.
Winnipeg Jets free-agent winger Nikolaj Ehlers is drawing interest from across the league, including Boston, according to The Fourth Period. The 29-year-old is one of the most coveted forwards still available in a weak free-agent class. With Brad Marchand, Mitch Marner, and Brock Boeser already signed, Ehlers remains the top free-agent forward remaining, according to TFP.
Ehlers, who tallied 63 points in 69 games last season, brings both speed and skill. He is not just a finisher; he is a strong playmaker with five 30-assist seasons and an ability to drive offense in the top six.
“He would be a nice addition to the Bruins’ power-play, which ranked 29th out of 32 teams with a 15.2 percent success rate in 2024-25,” Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston wrote.
That kind of spark could help reignite Boston’s offense, which leaned heavily on David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie last season.
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But pulling off such a signing would be very difficult. Ehlers is projected to land a deal in the $8 million-per-year range, and the Bruins currently sit with around $12.7 million in available cap space. That does not leave much room for roster flexibility if Ehlers were to sign in Boston on a long-term deal.
“Signing him could use up most of the Bruins’ remaining salary cap space,” Goss noted.
There is also the question of fit. While the Bruins are among the teams rumored to have interest, NHL Trade Rumors relayed analyst Frank Seravalli’s note that Ehlers may prefer “a warmer and less intense market than Winnipeg.” Boston does not exactly fit that mold.
Still, the Bruins have a need, a clear opportunity, and a competitive roster. Whether Ehlers wants the challenge is another story.
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