The Boston Bruins appear to be fully intent on improving their bottom-six forward depth in NHL free agency.
Reports surfaced Wednesday afternoon that Boston had agreed to sign veteran forwards Erik Haula and Tomas Nosek to two-year contracts.
Tracking all of the NHL free agency movement on Day 1
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A short while later, Michael Russo of The Athletic reported that veteran winger Nick Foligno has chosen to join the Bruins in free agency as well. Foligno confirmed during a phone interview on TSN's free agency television special that he is joining the Bruins and that Boston was the "right fit" for this stage of his career.
He also said Boston's style of play was appealing to him.
Foligno's deal with the Bruins is expected to be for two years, per Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. TSN's Darren Dreger reported the salary cap hit is in the high $3 million range.
Foligno played the last eight-plus seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets before the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired him at the trade deadline in April. The Leafs paid a steep price, including a 2021 first-round draft pick, to get Foligno for the playoffs. He disappointed in Toronto, scoring zero goals in 11 games (seven in the regular season and four in the playoffs).
Boston Bruins
The 33-year-old forward is a great leader -- he was Columbus' captain for several years -- and should add some scoring depth to Boston's bottom six.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Bruins reportedly agreed to a three-year, $9 million deal with free agent defenseman Derek Forbort.