The Bruins announced Tuesday they agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with Marc McLaughlin. They deal has a $775,000 average annual value (AAV).
McLaughlin had 30 points (13g, 17a) in 66 AHL games in Providence. The 6-foot, 203-pound center also appeared in two games with Boston in 2022-23.
The 23-year-old had three goals in 11 games with the Bruins in 2021-22 after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Boston College.
BSJ Analysis…
⁃ McLaughlin had arbitration rights, but neither he nor the Bruins opted to file for a hearing. Not completely surprising, like Ian Mitchell, McLaughlin would have had almost no case.
⁃ As expected, this deal has little implications against the cap. Boston still should have ample space to sign Jeremy Swayman and Trent Frederic. CapFriendly still has them at $6.2 million in cap space.
⁃ There was an uproar that McLaughlin didn’t make the team out of camp last season. He didn’t require waivers, which allowed Boston to make the unpopular business decision of sending him down.
⁃ McLaughlin should be in the mix to compete for a spot on the fourth line once again, whether it’s at center or wing. Plays the type of game with the floor and versatility that should allow him to carve out a role as a bottom-sixer whenever he cracks the NHL full-time.
⁃ Once again exempt from waivers, per CapFriendly, so if he doesn’t earn a spot or isn’t the extra forward, don’t be surprised to see him sent down again.