Bruins Deciding Between 2 Forwards To Bolster Right-Wing Depth
As the Boston Bruins gear up for the 2024-25 NHL season, they are actively exploring options to strengthen their forward lineup. According to Shawn Hutcheon of The Fourth Period, reporting on August 19, a source “close to the situation” has told him the Bruins have shown interest in free-agent forwards Blake Wheeler and Kailer Yamamoto.
Hutcheon’s sources think there is a possibility of the franchise extending Professional Tryout (PTO) offers to both or at least one of those two players. “A source close to the situation has told me the #NHLBruins are considering extending PTO (Professional Tryout) offers to forwards Blake Wheeler and Kailer Yamamoto,” Hutcheon wrote on X.
The Bruins are in a delicate position just two months from the start of the 2024-25 season. That affects, particularly, their second-line right-wing spot behind star forward David Pastrnak. Both Wheeler and Yamamoto would be nice enough additions to fill that vacancy.
Wheeler started his career with the Bruins back in 2008, playing three seasons before being traded to the (no longer active) Atlanta Thrashers. Already 37 years old, Wheeler went on to become the captain of the Winnipeg Jets before signing a team-friendly deal with the New York Rangers for the 2023-24 season. Despite concerns about his age and injury history, Wheeler’s wealth of experience and his familiarity with Boston could be a valuable asset to a Bruins team looking for leadership and depth, and make for a perfect fit. On the other hand, Yamamoto represents a younger, more dynamic option. At 25, Yamamoto is still in his prime and has demonstrated offensive potential topping at 41 points scored in 81 games back in the 2021-22 season with the Edmonton Oilers.
However, Yamamoto’s recent stint with the Seattle Kraken last year only saw him produce 16 points in 59 regular-season games. Yamamoto’s speed and playmaking ability make him an intriguing candidate for the Bruins with a chance of staying put for the long term, although his shaky production to date could bring some concerns and give Boston pause.
