The Boston Bruins turned heads on July 1 as they combined a trade with a series of free‑agency signings that reshaped the team’s depth chart.
Free‑Agency Overhaul
The most notable move was the trade of goaltender Joonas Korpisalo for a minor‑league forward and a fourth‑round draft pick, a transaction that clears cap space and opens the net for younger options.
Shortly after, the club locked in defenseman Connor Clifton on a two‑year, $4.5 million deal, guaranteeing $2.25 million per season against the salary cap.
Jordan Harris, a native of Haverhill, Massachusetts, re‑signed on a one‑year contract worth $850,000, returning after a right ankle fracture limited him to just eight regular‑season games.
Forward Brendan Gaunce, 32, signed a two‑year agreement with an NHL cap hit of $850,000, bringing a decade of NHL and AHL experience that includes 216 games at the top level.
The Bruins also added goaltender Jiri Patera on a one‑year, two‑way contract valued at $850,000, a move that could provide depth behind the net.
Winger Brian Halonen received a two‑year, two‑way deal with an $875,000 NHL cap hit, having posted a 20‑goal season with the Utica Comets and appearing in 15 games for the New Jersey Devils.
Defenseman Maxence Guenette, 25, signed a one‑year contract at $850,000, bringing 140 points in 282 AHL games and eight NHL appearances with Ottawa to the mix.
These acquisitions reflect a strategy focused on depth and flexibility, giving the Bruins a broader pool of talent as they head into training camp and the preseason.