Brian Gionta, Paul Postma, and Kenny Agostino won't return to Bruins

Free agents Brian Gionta, Paul Postma, and Kenny Agostino will not return to the Bruins next season, according to general manager Don Sweeney, who spoke with reporters Thursday in Buffalo at then Scouting Combine.

An important part of the offseason is sifting through which unrestricted free agents will be back and it was pretty clear these three were unlikely to return.

Postma signed a one-year deal last season but the defenseman played just 14 games with the Bruins and 13 with Providence. Agostino was another inexpensive depth signing last season and the 26-year-old left wing played just five games with the varsity roster.

Gionta was the intriguing signing considering he had not played the first half of the season. He chose not to sign with a team and played in the Olympics, and ultimately signed with the Bruins in February. The 39-year-old was inactive most of the playoffs, but was inserted into the lineup in Game 4 against the Lightning. He was on the ice for the overtime goal that sent the Bruins to Tampa chasing a 3-1 series deficit, a puzzling decision that will, unfortunately, define Gionta's brief time here.

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Sweeney also said Austin Czarnik "is intrigued by what may exist elsewhere. We certainly haven't closed the door. We don't think he has as well."

The Bruins will presumably have an opening on the third line if unrestricted free agent Riley Nash does not return. Czarnik, a 25-year-old center, played 10 games for the Bruins this season. He's had an opportunity in the past, such as when he played 49 games for the Bruins in 2016-17. Gauging Sweeney's comments, it seems as if they are OK letting him find a role for himself elsewhere. That said, Czarnik also hasn't separated himself from the prospect pool in the last three seasons.

If Czarnik does, in fact, move on, that still leaves Trent Fredric, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, and Jack Studnicka in the system. Still, Sweeney said young players such as those three will not just be injected into the lineup because the opening is available.

"While we've been committed to young player integration, I am not just going to say, "Well OK, next guy up, he's a young player, he's going in.' He has to earn that. And we will continue to add competition, be it from outside or re-signing guys."

It's long been assumed that Riley Nash likely priced himself out of Boston with a breakout year. It would be interesting if Nash would be willing to negotiate a team-friendly deal, though it seems unlikely considering he'd simply get more on the open market. The Bruins also have decisions to make regarding veteran Rick Nash and backup goaltender Anton Khudobin. Sean Kuraly and Matt Grzelcyk are restricted free agents.

Tim Schaller was the only Bruins player aside from Noel Acciari who needed surgery, Sweeney confirmed. Schaller had a hand injury, while Acciari said after the season he'd have surgery for a sports hernia. Patrice Bergeron did not need surgery for a groin injury. Jake DeBrusk and Zdeno Chara both had shoulder injuries that did not need surgery.