With 12 of last years forwards signed on for this season after the deals with Chris Kelly and Gregory Campbell, the Boston Bruins dont have much room up front unless they decide to shake things up.
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli has already stated there wont be any discussions about Brian Rolston until after the July 1 opening of NHL free agency, and there hasnt been much movement on the RFA front with Benoit Pouliot either.
I dont have any news on Pouliot at this point, said Chiarelli. Yes, hes a possibility to return for next season.
The rangy winger was a boom-or-bust player with the Bruins that produced some highlight reel goals and game-winning plays, but also went through long periods of offensive drought during the regular season.
Pouliot set career-highs with his 32 points and plus-18, and potted a solid 16 goals as a low-cost third line regular with Boston. But the former Habs and Wild forward was also behind the ill-conceived dump attempt in the overtime of Game 7 that led to Joel Wards game-winning goal for the Washington Capitals.
That is the very definition of a mixed bag season for the Bruins, and the late season offensive burst from Jordan Caron may have them leaning in that direction as a potential solution at third line wing next season.
Chiarelli intends to keep the door open during free agency and trade talks, however.
I feel really good with our lineup right now and to add a top 9 forward like I talked about still isnt out of the realm of possibility, said Chiarelli. It gives me a lot of flexibility going into free agency, but this is as solid of a forward group as youre going to get.
If we do nothing, thats fine, but if something comes across that looks attractive and we have to look at it, then well look at it.
Sounds like a GM that doesnt intend on making a splash during the free agencytrade season, and most wouldnt blame Chiarelli given what this current Bs group has shown theyre capable of in the right circumstances.