5 Boston Bruins players who may not return next season ft. Jake DeBrusk

With the Boston Bruins’ elimination from the playoffs confirmed in their Game 6 loss at the hands of the Florida Panthers, the Bruins’ offseason has officially begun.

As Boston evaluates its roster decisions heading into the summer, five names stand out as players who may not return next fall.

5 Boston Bruins players who may not be back next season

#1. Jake DeBrusk

Jake DeBrusk is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 27-year-old will likely move on, considering that the Boston Bruins failed to commit to a long-term contract extension.

DeBrusk signed a two-year extension in March 2022, carrying a $4 million cap hit. Considering he scored 19 goals and 40 points in 80 games this season, DeBrusk could sign elsewhere as a middle-six forward.

However, if DeBrusk returns, the Bruins may not want to pay $4 million a season for a player who seems more like a depth forward at this point in his career.

#2. Pat Maroon

The 36-year-old veteran came over at the trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Lightning. While his $1 million cap hit is reasonable, the Bruins may want to find a younger option for the fourth-line role Maroon was occupying.

Maroon offers a wealth of leadership and experience, which is why Boston acquired him for a playoff run. However, the Boston Bruins may be more inclined to promote a prospect in Maroon’s place or find a younger, cheaper alternative for the club’s fourth line.

#3. James van Riemsdyk

Van Riemsdyk signed a one-year, $1 million deal, looking to play for a contender after ending his contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.

In a predominant third-line role, van Riemsdyk scored 11 goals in 71 games. While his cap hit is not restrictive, the Boston Bruins may look for a younger depth piece to replace the 35-year-old.

As for van Riemsdyk, he may be nearing the end of his career unless he can catch on with a rebuilding team like the San Jose Sharks or the Utah hockey club.

#4. Danton Heinen

Danton Heinen is a UFA this summer. He produced 36 points in 74 games during the regular season. He’s been a reliable bottom-six forward.

While his league-minimum deal is hardly restrictive, the Boston Bruins must think about impending restricted free agents such as Morgan Geekie and John Beecher.

At 28, Heinen can still be a productive player. It’s feasible he stays if he signs another league-minimum deal. Nevertheless, the Bruins may look within to fill Heinen’s spot.

#5. Jesper Boqvist

Jesper Boqvist is set to become an RFA on July 1. He signed with Boston in July 2023 after spending parts of four seasons with the New Jersey Devils.

In 47 games this season, Boqvist registered 14 points. While there’s a chance he stays on another league-minimum deal, the Bruins may choose to part ways with Boqvist.

Like Heinen, van Riemsdyk and Maroon, the Boston Bruins may choose to promote from within to fill their bottom-six depth roles.