'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Boston Bruins are looking at ways to improve their roster for the upcoming season. They have finished their main free agency moves but are considering offering PTO agreements to Blake Wheeler and Kailer Yamamoto.
NHL insider Shawn Hutcheon says these players could add valuable experience and depth as the Bruins prepare for another playoff run.
Trending
Blake Wheeler started his NHL career with the Bruins and might return to Boston. Drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2004, he eventually signed with the Bruins, where he played for two and a half seasons. He scored 50 goals and 110 points in 210 games before being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers.
Wheeler had a successful stint with the Thrashers and the Winnipeg Jets, scoring 262 goals and 812 points in nearly 900 games. Last season, he played for the New York Rangers, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals. At 37, his experience could make him a valuable addition to the Bruins as a bottom-six winger.
Kailer Yamamoto, meanwhile, offers a different option for the Boston Bruins. The young forward was drafted 22nd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2017. He showed promise in the 2021-22 season, scoring 20 goals and 41 points in 81 games. However, since then, he has struggled with consistency.
Yamamoto was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, bought out and signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Kraken. Last season, he scored eight goals and 16 points in 59 games with Seattle. Offering him a PTO could be a low-risk move for the Bruins with potential upside.
The Bruins have made several offseason moves, including signing Max Jones and acquiring Mark Kastelic and Vinni Lettieri through trades. With training camp nearing and the preseason opener against the Rangers on Sept. 22, the Boston Bruins are exploring all roster options.
Ex-Boston Bruins forward Frank Vatrano likely to be a key trade target next season
Frank Vatrano had a great 2023-24 season with the Anaheim Ducks, which made him a trade target. The Ducks decided not to trade him before the deadline. Now 30 and in the last year of his $10.95 million contract, Vatrano’s future is unclear.
He scored 37 goals and 60 points this season, showing his worth. If Vatrano and the Ducks don't agree a new deal, he might be traded. His scoring and physical play make him attractive to playoff teams, so Anaheim may need to trade him to avoid losing him for nothing.
