The Boston Bruins are poised to aggressively pursue defenseman Rasmus Andersson in the upcoming NHL free agency, which begins July 1, 2026.
The team aims to strengthen its blue line after the 2026 NHL Draft.
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According to Bleacher Report, Boston plans to exploit a salary cap crunch facing the Vegas Golden Knights.
Vegas is currently trying to clear space for Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin and his $8.7 million cap hit.
The Bruins previously attempted to acquire Andersson before he was traded to Vegas.
They reportedly offered a seven-year, $63 million contract extension, but the 29-year-old Swedish defenseman declined to bet on his market value.
Analyst Predicts Bruins as Front-Runners
"Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson is the top free agent. The Golden Knights' financial limitations could allow another team to swoop in and snag the 29-year-old.
The Boston Bruins just might be that team," wrote Kristopher Knox, NHL analyst for Bleacher Report.
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"Boston could use another high-end defenseman, and it has been linked to Andersson previously."
Boston previously refused to finalize a trade for Andersson without securing a long-term extension.
However, the open market now provides a direct opportunity to sign the defenseman, who recorded 17 goals and 30 assists last season.
"Before Andersson was dealt to Vegas, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Bruins appeared 'to be in the driver's seat' in trade talks.
Friedman also reported that the Bruins weren't interested in acquiring Andersson without an extension. Now, they might have their chance to land him on a long-term deal.
Prediction: Andersson signs with Boston," Knox added.
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This free agency push follows Boston's roster adjustments during the 2026 NHL Draft, where the team traded its 23rd overall pick to the Utah Mammoth for forward JJ Peterka before selecting Russian goaltender Yuri Ivanov 56th overall.
