JUST IN: Bruins Add another Five More Signings In NHL Free Agency
The Boston Bruins were active at the start of NHL free agency on Monday and maintained that momentum throughout the day.
They secured long-term deals for key players Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov and also signed Max Jones. Additionally, the Bruins strengthened their roster by adding depth pieces.
They announced the signings of forwards Riley Tufte, Cole Koepke, and Jeffrey Viel, as well as veteran defensemen Jordan Oesterle and Billy Sweezy. Four of these five players are on two-way contracts, while Tufte received a one-year deal worth $775,000. Viel’s contract is a two-year deal at $775,000 annually, with the 2024-25 season being a two-way agreement and the 2025-26 season a one-way contract.
Tufte, who played five games for the Colorado Avalanche last season, fits the Bruins’ trend of signing large players, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 230 pounds. He impressed with Colorado’s AHL affiliate, scoring 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points in 67 games. Tufte was originally a first-round pick by the Dallas Stars in 2016.
Viel, 27, did not play in the NHL last season but has three seasons with the San Jose Sharks, where he recorded three goals and two assists in 49 games. He played 69 games for the Winnipeg Jets’ AHL affiliate, tallying 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points.
Koepke, on a one-year two-way contract, appeared in 26 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning over the past two seasons, scoring one goal and two assists. He contributed 20 goals and 19 assists for 39 points in the AHL last season.
Oesterle is the most experienced of these signings, with 10 NHL seasons under his belt. He has played for the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, and most recently the Calgary Flames. The 32-year-old played 22 games for the Flames last season, recording two assists and a minus-6 rating. His best season was with the Coyotes in 2018-19 when he scored six goals and 14 assists for 20 points.
Sweezy has played nine NHL games, all with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Known for his willingness to fight, he had an altercation with former Bruins forward Jakub Lauko two seasons ago. The 28-year-old is a native of Hanson, Massachusetts, making his signing a homecoming.