3 players the Red Wings can sign from the Bruins in 2024 NHL free agency
The Detroit Red Wings could eye a few players on the Boston Bruins and steal them from their division rival in 2024 NHL free agency.
The Detroit Red Wings could pick talent off of other non-playoff teams, but they should also factor in potential additions from organizations that always seem to be playing hockey in May. One team is the Boston Bruins, a division rival general manager Steve Yzerman would draw praise from the fan base for weakening if he were to take a player from them when free agency begins.
While there is always a chance the three players listed below could re-sign and try to make another deep playoff run, there are always up-and-coming teams like the Red Wings who will develop the potential to go just as far. So perhaps they wouldn’t mind trading in the black and gold sweater for a red one this summer.
We’ve talked about one player in the past who could jump from Boston to Detroit. But let’s discuss three others who could be in line to continue their respective careers elsewhere if the right deal comes along in July and they opt not to re-sign with the Bruins.
Jake DeBrusk, LW
Last year, we saw Steve Yzerman pull off a sensational trade to bring in winger Alex DeBrincat, so perhaps a blockbuster splash in free agency would bring in another big-time forward, this one being Jake DeBrusk? Sure, the cap could be an issue here, but if Yzerman makes a few more transactions and clears more space, it’s not farfetched to believe DeBrusk could end up in Detroit.
And what a sensational decision it would be to bring in the 27-year-old, as he could even provide a sound depth scoring option in the Motor City despite the top-six minutes DeBrusk often collected in Boston.
He’s also a hitter who will move opponents out of the way if need be to break up plays and help his team regain puck possession. And given his track record in the scoring realm, DeBrusk has the potential to put up at least 20 goals per year.
He finished fifth on the Bruins with 19 this season, and through 11 playoff games as of May 13th, DeBrusk has also picked up his game in the postseason, amassing nine points and five goals. This shows us how much the Red Wings would benefit from his hard play down the stretch - and they proved this past season that they need forwards and blueliners alike to display such urgency.
Pat Maroon, LW
Alright, suppose someone like Jake DeBrusk re-signs with the Bruins, which given his overall youth, could be exactly what happens. Pat Maroon would make another sound addition despite heading into his age-36 season.
For one, you have a veteran who isn’t afraid to be an outspoken ‘glue’ player at this point in his long career. Detroit can use plenty of those in 2024-25, also in that infamous ‘down the stretch’ portion of the season. The journeyman also knows how to win Stanley Cups, meaning his presence would mesh ultra-well with a team that hasn’t even been to the playoffs in nearly a decade.
The Red Wings can use another player who can step in as an intimidation factor, and Maroon works well in that regard, too. Although he’s played in just 13 regular season and playoff games with the Bruins, Maroon already has 41 hits, and it shows off the intensity he would bring should the 36-year-old opt to keep playing.
He’s a player Yzerman could bring in for a minimum and on a one-year deal, play him often on the lower lines, and let him make opponents think a few times before crossing him. That will lead to sloppy play on their part, helping the Red Wings scoring units take control of games often.
Matt Grzelcyk, D
With Shayne Gostisbehere and Justin Holl’s futures uncertain in the Motor City, the Red Wings must find a blueliner somewhere to potentially replace them. Several players slated to be unrestricted free agents can fill the void, but Matt Grzelcyk may be available.
Grzelcyk won’t score like Gostisbehere, but if the Red Wings want someone to record third-pairing minutes who could further help them clear the net and get in front of what was one too many shots allowed this past season, the undersized but intriguing Mat Grzelcyk makes for an outstanding addition.
Plus, coming from the Bruins, Grzelcyk, like DeBrusk, is more than a familiar face. Having played against the Red Wings a few times a year and likely following what looked like an upstart team this season, Grzelcyk may not face the same type of learning curve as other blueliners who could wind up on Steve Yzerman’s shortlist.
In the past, Grzelcyk has also played borderline second-pairing minutes, so if he played better than some in the rotation or if an injury forced contingency plans, he could also move up the lineup with ease. There could be better names out there, but Grzelcyk would be more cost-effective, familiar, and he’s serviceable enough to help remedy what was one of Detroit’s biggest weaknesses in 2023-24.
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(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)