Bruins Bring Back Lucic, Sign van Riemsdyk And Others

The Boston Bruins were very active on day one of NHL free agency signing veterans James van Riemsdyk (1YR, $1M), Morgan Geekie (2YR, $4M), Kevin Shattenkirk (1YR, $1.05M), and re-uniting with former Bruin and fan-favorite, Milan Lucic (1YR, $1M).

Given the current state of the Bruins cap situation and the lack of movement in the cap this season, the several moves are all very cost-effective for a team still looking to compete, however, this Bruins team will look very different than the one that left the ice following their Game 7 loss to the eventual Eastern Conference Champion, Florida Panthers. This is before we learn whether or not Patrice Bergeron and/or David Krejci will wear the ‘Black-and-Gold’ for another season.

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However, the new-look Bruins will also look somewhat familiar with the return of Lucic, who last played for Boston during the 2014-15 season. Of course, during his time with the Bruins, he helped the franchise hoist the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1972. They haven’t won since.

In 77 games for the Flames last year, Lucic notched seven goals and 12 assists. In 1,173 career games, he has tallied 233 goals and 351 assists.

van Riemsdyk, another veteran, appeared in 61 games for the Flyers last season and scored 12 times and added 17 helpers for 29 points. Shattenkirk, a veteran of 891 with the Ducks, Lightning, Rangers, Capitals, Blues, and Avalanche played in 75 games with the Ducks in 2022.

With Dmitry Orlov already off to Carolina and the likelihood of a reunion with Tyler Bertuzzi unlikely, attention now reverts back to the futures of Krejci and Bergeron who, as most have indicated, are not ready to make a decision. Will the return of Lucic help sway either one of them? It will certainly help fans (a little bit) if they don’t return.