Now that NHL free agency is moving into the PTO stage, the Bruins look like a team that could dip into that market again. Boston has a history of giving players a shot on professional tryout agreements, and with training camp approaching, there are a few names that make sense as low-risk options.
One of the most obvious is Patrik Laine. The Bruins could use another skilled winger, and Laine fits that need if Boston wants to take a swing on upside.
The 28-year-old has had major injury issues in recent seasons, but a PTO would cost the Bruins nothing. If he comes into camp healthy and shows he’s back to full strength, he could become a candidate for a one-year, prove-it deal.
Laine is a three-time 30-goal scorer and was nearly a point-per-game player as recently as 2022-23.
John Klingberg is another player worth watching if Boston wants help on the back end. The 33-year-old defenseman quietly put together a strong bounce-back season with the San Jose Sharks in 2025-26, finishing with 10 goals and 27 points in 56 games. For a Bruins team looking for another puck-moving option on defense, he’s the kind of veteran flier that could be worth a look.
Philipp Kurashev also belongs on the list. The 26-year-old forward is coming off a solid season with the Sharks, where he scored seven goals and totaled 20 points in 43 games.
His age makes him an interesting fit for a Bruins team in retool mode, and his ability to play both center and wing only adds to the appeal. Kurashev also has a stronger offensive track record on his résumé, including 18 goals and 54 points in 75 games for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023-24.
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Bruins Still Have One Offseason Question Fans Cannot Ignore
The Bruins have already been active in reshaping the roster, bringing in JJ Peterka, re-signing Connor Clifton and landing Wil Borgen while sending Joonas Korpisalo to the Rangers. Those moves have given the lineup a different look, but they have not fully closed the book on what Boston still needs before the offseason settles into place.
For a team trying to balance immediate help with limited risk, the remaining free-agent market offers a few names worth monitoring. Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting and Eeli Tolvanen all fit the kind of low-cost swing that can either deepen the forward group or quietly become one of the smarter additions of the summer, and the Bruins still have to decide whether one more move is enough to round out the picture. [Read more 🡒]