The Boston Bruins have plenty of cap space to work with this offseason and are in a position to make multiple additions. Adding a first-line center and top-six scoring winger are their two biggest objectives.
While it is important for the Bruins to strengthen their offense if they hope to be bigger threats next season, they also should aim to improve the left of their defense. Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort are both free agents and are not expected to be back next year. As a result, their depth on the blueline could be impacted.
If Grzelcyk and Forbort both leave, the Bruins’ left side will be made up by Hampus Lindholm, Mason Lohrei, and Parker Wotherspoon. With this, there is no question that the Bruins would benefit by adding another left-shot defender to their roster, and one specific player who they should have on their radar is Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton.
Middleton, 28, took a big step forward this past season with the Wild and even often played on their top pairing. In 80 games, he set new career highs with seven goals, 18 assists, and 25 points. In addition, he maintained his immensely physical style of play even with the improved offense, posting 148 hits and 77 penalty minutes.
The Bruins could absolutely use a mean, 6-foot-3 defenseman like Middleton in their top four. He would instantly make a team that has been criticized by many for being “soft” far more challenging to go up against.
If the Bruins acquired Middleton, he would be an option for their top pairing with Charlie McAvoy, as has played big minutes in Minnesota. However, he also would work on their second pairing. In addition, he would be a big pickup for their penalty kill.
