The NHL free agency period began July 1st. Some notable Bruin free agents include P.J. Axelsson, Mark Recchi, Steve Montador, Stephane Yelle, Byron Bitz, and Shane Hnidy, and Phil Kessel. Wingers Mark Recchi and Byron Bitz have already signed with the B’s, while 11-year Bruin P.J. Axelsson is still exploring the market, and scoring machine Phillip Kessel’s future has yet to be determined. The Bruins have only so much cap space left on their roster, so they may not be able to afford their first-line center this coming year. There were some trade rumors that would send Kessel to Toronto for 4-time All-Star defenseman Thomas Kaberle*. Kessel was undoubtedly the Bruin’s main offensive threat, and the B’s will need to either resign Kessel or acquire another big-name player, if they want to repeat as the Eastern Conference’s top goal-scoring team.
*Since Kessel is a restricted free agent, the Bruins do have “dibs” on the Kessel, with the chance to match any offer given to him. This is why, although Kessel is technically a free agent, the Bruins are within their rights to trade him.
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