Tougher, But Better? Breaking Down Bruins’ Free Agency Moves

The Boston Bruins made a flurry of free agent signings on July 1, but did Don Sweeney do enough to improve a roster that finished last in the Eastern Conference? Host Ian McLaren breaks down the front office’s strategy and comments, starting with the addition of Victor Arvidsson and the controversial five-year deal for Tanner Jeannot. In Segment 1, we dig into why these two players were targeted, what Sweeney said about toughness and protection for younger players, and whether these moves align with his offseason pledge to boost scoring. In Segment 2, Ian evaluates the rest of Boston’s free agent signings — including Sean Kuraly, Michael Eyssimont, Matej Blumel, Alex Steeves, Jordan Harris, and Riley Tufte — and how they increase internal competition. Sweeney emphasized “guys who drag others into the fight,” but have these depth additions squeezed out players like Matt Poitras, Fabian Lysell, and Georgii Merkulov? In Segment 3, Ian compares the projected 2025-26 lineup with last year’s Opening Night roster and asks the big question: Are the Bruins actually any better now? With more grit but not a lot more scoring, and prospects still facing a blocked path to NHL minutes, the Bruins may be set for another season of stagnation. Is this another Matt Beleskey or David Backes situation in the making? And did the Bruins really learn anything from last year’s failures? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.