NHL Offseason Recap: Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins

Apr 26, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman

(33) celebrates with teammates after scoring goal during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

IN: None

OUT: Jarome Iginla (Avalanche), Chad Johnson (Islanders), Shawn Thornton (Panthers), Andrej Meszaros (Sabres)

Re-signed: None

Currently unsigned: Torey Krug (RFA), Reilly Smith (RFA), Matt Bartkowski (RFA), Jordan Caron (RFA), Corey Potter (UFA)

Recap:

The Bruins were bound to lose some pieces from last season’s team as a result of the salary cap. Jarome Iginla, Shawn Thornton, Chad Johnson and Andrej Meszaros are all gone and the Bruins are hoping to replace them with in-house talent.

Boston also features eight defenseman, which could mean a trade is on the way. But trade or no trade, the Bruins should still boast a strong club next season. The top line still has David Krejci and Milan Lucic. Forward Loui Eriksson should be more comfortable in his second season in Boston and could replace Iginla on the top line. Eriksson had three consecutive 70-point season with the Dallas Stars from 2009-2012.

Zdeno Chara anchors the blue line as usual. The Bruins are hoping to re-sign young Torey Krug and Reilly Smith after both had successful seasons in Beantown.

Despite losing the leadership and scoring ability of Iginla on the top line, the Bruins should contend once again for the Atlantic Division crown.