It’s always important to take reports from lesser-known sources with a grain of salt, but one report in particular suggests this isn’t just idle gossip. According to Zoro Sekhon of NHL Trade Rumors, the Bruins are more than just interested in the star—they’re preparing to go all-out. The team is reportedly offered a contract worth $14 million annually, a massive deal designed not only to add elite talent but also to make a statement around the league.
While the rumor might be lacking confirmation from major NHL insiders, there’s growing chatter suggesting that the Boston Bruins are preparing to make a serious push for the star this offseason—assuming he reaches free agency.
Sekhon described the Bruins’ approach as aggressive, saying the potential signing would signal that Boston is serious about rejoining the ranks of true Stanley Cup contenders.
With $27.1 million in available cap space and only 13 players currently signed for next season, Boston is in a position to make a splash in the offseason market. If Mitch Marner chooses to explore free agency when the market opens on July 1, the Bruins are poised to be one of the few teams that can realistically afford to make him a top-tier offer.
There’s an added layer of complexity, however. The Bruins and Maple Leafs have one of the most intense rivalries in hockey, and for Marner—who has spent his entire career in Toronto—the idea of jumping ship to Boston could be a tough pill to swallow. Signing with a team that has long been a postseason obstacle for the Leafs would require not just a professional shift, but a significant emotional adjustment as well. Some players are fine with that type of move, but others are more loyal to the team and culture they grew up in.
Still, the interest in Marner is understandable. He’s widely recognized as one of the best playmakers in the NHL and has the ability to shift momentum on a dime. If he does test the open market, he’ll likely draw interest from several contenders, and Boston intends to be in the thick of the chase.
Should the Marner pursuit not pan out, the Bruins reportedly have backup plans already in place. The same report mentions Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks and Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets as other players on Boston’s radar. There’s also a suggestion of a potential reunion with Brad Marchand if circumstances allow.
What’s clear is that the Bruins don’t intend to sit idle this offseason. Whether or not Marner ultimately signs in Boston, the organization is expected to be aggressive in its efforts to add a high-caliber player. This summer could very well be a turning point, and the Bruins seem determined to make sure they come out of it stronger, deeper, and ready to contend.
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