NHL Insider: Bruins’ Strategy Signals Bigger Moves On Horizon

The Boston Bruins might be thinking bigger than this offseason.

While the Bruins made modest moves in July — trading for Viktor Arvidsson and signing Tanner Jeannot — their real target could be the 2026 free-agent class.

Boston seems to be “setting up” for something major, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and his 32 Thoughts podcast.

“If some of these guys who are supposed to be free agents next year … I think Boston wants to have the opportunity to take a shot at one of those guys,” Friedman said, as transcribed by Paul Griser of Pro Hockey Rumors.

Boston’s moves this summer suggest that vision. Arvidsson was acquired on a low-cost, one-year deal, while Jeannot’s five-year pact raised eyebrows only for its term, not its price. At $3.4 million annually, the rugged winger fits the profile of the physical presence general manager Don Sweeney has sought to reintroduce.

While fans might have expected splashier additions, the Bruins’ strategy appears focused on future flexibility. Only Jeannot carries term beyond this season, giving the front office a clean cap outlook next summer as well as the chance to be aggressive in a stacked free-agent class.

That market could include names such as Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, Kyle Connor, Artemi Panarin, Martin Necas and Patrik Laine. Whether any of them make it to market, of course, is unknown, but the Bruins appear to be positioning themselves for a run at whoever does.

Add in the Bruins’ seventh overall pick James Hagens, who was once projected to go No. 1, and it’s clear the club is building for long-term firepower around cornerstone pieces David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy.

Their offseason might look quiet, but Boston could be plotting for something much louder just one year from now.