Free agency watch: What options do the Bruins have if they miss out on Tavares?

Don Sweeney did his best Bill Belichick impression Friday when he steered clear of any questions about free agent John Tavares. He confirmed the Bruins did in fact meet with Tavares’ camp in Los Angeles during the week, but beyond that?

“There will be ample opportunity during the interview period and there will be ample opportunity to answer all those questions so I’ll take all the time you want, you know, at the right time to answer them,” Sweeney said at the end of development camp.”

Pressed on the matter, Sweeney responded, “Lots of time to follow up on that at the right time. We were there, you’re right.”

Tavares’ decision on where he will sign is the domino that will start the free agency carousel. Will he stay with the Islanders and rebuild, or is he interested in competing elsewhere with either the Bruins, Sharks, Maple Leafs, Lightning, or the Stars?

Whether the Bruins sign Tavares or not, there are still some holes for them to fill at forward and goaltender. The market for a defenseman is not great. If the Bruins upgrade that position at all it's likely to come via trade. Here’s a look at options they may consider at forward and goaltender.

Salary cap space

According to CapFriendly.com, the Bruins have just under $12 million in cap space available. In order to sign Tavares, some maneuvering will have to take place. David Krejci and David Backes, who are set to make $7.25 million and $6 million, respectively, both have no-movement clauses that would need to be waived in order to make a deal.

Goaltender

When the season ended it seemed re-signing Anton Khudobin was a high priority for the Bruins but the contract negotiations never got to a point that pleased both sides. Khudobin sought a raise from the $1.2 million he made last year in one of his best seasons as the Bruins backup and now seems likely to sign elsewhere. Sweeney played it tight-lipped about Tavares but not so much about Khudobin when he said the team’s backup goaltending situation is “probably going in a different direction at this point.” Zane McIntyre has toiled in Providence for three seasons and hasn’t been able to seize the backup job in Boston. Dan Vladar has a promising future but he has yet to play a full season in Providence, which he’s expected to do this season. Some options on the free agent market:

Robin Lehner: The Sabres moved on from Lehner and did not tender a qualifying offer after the goalie went 14-26-9. Makes sense considering the offer would have had to have been north of $4 million. According to a source, the Bruins have been in contact with Lehner’s camp and have expressed interest. The bigger question is whether Lehner wants to continue life as a starter or come here and compete behind Tuukka Rask. The Bruins' goaltender is under contract for three more years at $7 million per season. Lehner is probably a bargain option for a team looking for a starter, but he could fit here as a backup.

Jonathan Bernier: A more likely backup option, Bernier went 19-13-3 with the Avalanche last season on a one-year, $2.75 million deal. He’ll be 30 this season and has played for three other teams in various stints. Like Lehner, the Bruins have also been in contact regarding Bernier. Of course, the framework of a potential deal would have to align with what the Bruins are willing to spend at the position, something they haven’t been able to come to an agreement with Khudobin.  

Forwards

The Bruins struck out on the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes and they could be a runner-up to Tavares, too. The Bruins present a great chance for Tavares to chase a Stanley Cup, but other teams such as the Sharks will be able to offer more. The Maple Leafs and Lightning are contenders, too, and there’s always the chance he returns to the Islanders.

So where does that leave the Bruins in the forward market? Sweeney and the Bruins may not be as desperate for a forward than they are for a backup goaltender. Kovalchuk and Tavares are elite players and worth taking a chance at. They’re star talents who aren’t available often. If you can get the meeting, might as well pursue it. Beyond that, though, the Bruins may not be willing to overpay for other options, whether it be at right wing or center, when they have a bundle of young prospects close to breaking through at the pro level. Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson or Jack Studnicka can push for the third-line center vacancy. Anders Bjork or Danton Heinen may get chances on the first line again with David Pastrnak swapped to David Krejci’s line.

Michael Grabner, right/left wing: Grabner is a big winger at 6-1, 188 pounds and made $1.65 million last season. He had 36 points in 80 games split between the Rangers and Devils, and brought value as a special teams player. Grabner spent roughly two minutes per game in short-handed situations. The Bruins will need to add to their penalty kill if Riley Nash doesn’t re-sign, and Grabner can provide that as well as depth to the forward mix.

Jannik Hansen, right wing: Hansen was a healthy scratch in the playoffs for the Sharks and was traded from Vancouver two years ago. In 2017 he spent time on the Sharks' top line with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski, but played just 46 games this past season. He’s another big winger at 6-1, 198 pounds, and made $3 million last season. He could be an option on a one-year deal to see what he’s got left, plus he could bring a strong veteran presence to the Bruins' younger players.

Anthony Duclair, left wing: I’m intrigued by Duclair, who’s been on three different teams before his 23rd birthday. He’s a skilled player, but for whatever reason, he hasn’t caught on with the Blackhawks, Coyotes, or Rangers. He had 44 points when he was 20, but hasn’t come close to that since. He made $1.2 million last season and could be a flyer-type option for the Bruins.