In a recent press conference, General Manager Don Sweeney outlined his plans and goals for the Boston Bruins' offseason. Sweeney expressed the team's primary objective of strengthening their secondary scoring options. Emphasizing the need for new additions, Sweeney stated, "I've got to find the players that complement our group and push us forward."

With approximately $22 million in cap space, the Bruins will prioritize improving their lineup during the summer months. However, a significant portion of that budget is likely to be allocated to goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Swayman, who has impressed during his three-year tenure with the team, is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1st. His contract demands are expected to resemble that of Connor Hellebuyck's seven-year, $59.5 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets.

While a lucrative extension for Swayman may strain the Bruins' budget, it could mean parting ways with Linus Ullmark, who has one year remaining on his contract worth $5 million for the 2024-25 NHL season. Considering the implications of spending close to $14 million on goaltending alone, the team may need to explore options to move Ullmark's contract without taking on additional financial burden.

Assuming a successful exit of Ullmark's contract and accounting for Swayman's extension, the Bruins should have around $18 million in cap flexibility. This amount will enable them to actively pursue trades and capitalize on the free agent market in their quest for secondary scoring reinforcements.

In addition to external options, the Bruins do have an internal solution in Jake DeBrusk, who will become an unrestricted free agent in the coming weeks. DeBrusk's consistent goal-scoring ability, averaging between 20-30 goals per season, makes him an attractive option for the team. Re-signing DeBrusk to a short- to mid-term contract could bolster their offense and provide necessary secondary scoring depth.

Fortunately for the Bruins, the free agent market this summer offers plenty of secondary scoring options. Players like Patrick Kane, Tyler Toffoli, Chandler Stephenson, Anthony Mantha, and Anthony Duclair, among others, will be available. None of these players are expected to demand a significant portion of the Bruins' available salary cap unless they choose to pursue Jake Guentzel, Sam Reinhart, or Steven Stamkos.

As the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs conclude, the trade market will likely become clearer, offering more opportunities for the Bruins to strengthen their roster. One potential trade target that has already surfaced is Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes seem unwilling to meet Necas' contract demands, making him an attractive addition to the Bruins' top six if Carolina decides to move him.

Regardless of the chosen route, the Bruins have a wide pool of options to enhance their secondary scoring during the offseason. Furthermore, the emergence of promising prospects this past season may open up possibilities for the team to leverage established players, providing even more salary cap flexibility.

With Sweeney's focused approach and ample resources at his disposal, the Boston Bruins are poised to build a more formidable roster, ensuring a stronger presence in the upcoming season.