The Boston Bruins enter the offseason with just under $21 million of cap space. For the first time in a while, they are in a prime position to spend significantly, and GM Don Sweeney is expected to take advantage of that.
While adding a first-line center is the Bruins’ biggest goal of the offseason, they are also expected to target top-six scoring wingers.
Due to this, in a recent article for The Fourth Period, NHL insider David Pagnotta listed the Bruins as one of the many teams that could look to acquire Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers this offseason. He also noted that Ehlers is not interested in an extension with the Jets, which is why they are shopping him.
There is no question that the Bruins could use a winger like Ehlers in their top six. This will be especially true if they can’t agree on a new deal with Jake DeBrusk this summer.
Ehlers, 28, has been a very impactful forward throughout his career, which remained the case in 2023-24. In 82 games, the 2014 ninth-overall pick posted 25 goals, 61 points, and a plus-27 rating. The Bruins would improve significantly by adding that kind of production to their top six.
When looking at a potential fit in the Bruins’ lineup for Ehlers, he could work quite well on a line with David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha. However, he also can play on his off-wing, so he could work playing with captain Brad Marchand as well. In addition, he would give them another big-time weapon on their power play.
However, given how impactful of a player Ehlers is, he will surely garner plenty of attention around the NHL this offseason. As a result, the Bruins will have a lot of competition if they actively pursue him.
