MAJOR-BREAKING: Signing This Veteran Forward Would Be A Major Disaster For The Boston Bruins – Here’s Why

With the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers just getting underway, June is here — and that means free agency is less than a month away. Big-name players will hit the market when the window opens on July 1, but exactly who will test free agency remains uncertain.

One expected free agent is Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner, who’s sure to attract interest from teams across both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Of course, there’s always a chance Marner could reach a surprise deal to stay in Toronto and try to make another deep playoff run with the Leafs’ core.

As unlikely as that sounds, remember Toronto was the only Eastern team this postseason to push the Panthers to the brink of elimination — winning the first two games of their second-round series before dropping four of the next five. If Toronto had knocked off the defending champs, this discussion might be different. But if Marner does hit free agency, one team that should steer clear is the Boston Bruins.

Why the Bruins Must Pass on Mitch Marner

There’s no denying Marner’s talent. He’s scored 20+ goals in seven of the past eight seasons, including two 30-goal campaigns. This year, he posted 27 goals and set a career-high with 75 assists, finishing with 100 points for the first time in his career.

But Marner’s playoff struggles are well documented. In 13 postseason games this year, he managed just two goals and 11 assists — a pattern of underperforming when his team most needs him. The Bruins have experienced similar disappointments firsthand in playoff situations.

Mitch Marner

Boston reportedly has around $28 million in free agency funds available, but committing $13-14 million a year to Marner would be a huge mistake. The Bruins have several roster needs to address, including retaining their own free agents and pursuing targets in the market.

Last year, Boston’s big-money deal for Elias Lindholm didn’t pan out as hoped, and GM Don Sweeney can’t afford another miss this offseason. Marner might look tempting, but throwing a massive contract his way could backfire. The Bruins should spread that money around instead.