The Boston Bruins may not have stolen headlines with a blockbuster move in free agency, but GM Don Sweeney made a series of savvy, strategic signings on Wednesday that quietly reshaped the team’s depth and identity. The Bruins added five players—Tanner Jeannot, Matej Blumel, Jordan Harris, Michael Eyssimont, and a familiar face in Sean Kuraly—each bringing something unique to the table in terms of grit, energy, and upside.
Tanner Jeannot: 5 Years, $3.4M AAV
Perhaps the most impactful name of the bunch, Jeannot brings a blend of physicality and scoring upside. The 27-year-old winger is known for his relentless forechecking and bruising style of play. At $3.4 million per year, the Bruins are betting that Jeannot can rediscover his 2021-22 form when he posted 24 goals with Nashville. His addition adds serious edge to Boston’s bottom six and gives head coach Jim Montgomery another penalty-kill option and tone-setter.
Matej Blumel: 1 Year, $875K AAV
Blumel, 24, is a low-risk, high-reward signing. The Czech forward has flashed offensive skill at the AHL level but hasn’t yet broken through in the NHL. A one-year, prove-it deal gives him the chance to compete for a bottom-line role or serve as a call-up option. His speed and quick release could earn him a shot with the big club if he impresses during training camp.
Jordan Harris: 1 Year, $825K AAV
Harris, 24, is a puck-moving defenseman with good skating ability and composure under pressure. Coming off a stint with the Montreal Canadiens, Harris will compete for a spot on Boston’s third pair or serve as a dependable seventh defenseman. With cap space at a premium, his $825,000 cap hit is team-friendly and adds mobility to the Bruins’ blue line.
Michael Eyssimont: 2 Years, $1.45M AAV
Eyssimont is a tenacious forward with experience across multiple NHL teams. His high motor, versatility, and willingness to battle in the dirty areas of the ice make him a fit for Boston’s identity. Over the next two years, he’ll likely see time on the fourth line or slide in as an injury replacement in the middle six.
Sean Kuraly: 2 Years, $1.85M AAV
Kuraly returns to Boston after three seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Bruins fans know what to expect: leadership, physicality, and strong faceoff skills. The 31-year-old provides veteran stability and can anchor the fourth line or serve as a reliable penalty killer. His return is a nostalgic but functional move for a team looking to maintain its defensive structure and locker room culture.
Bottom Line: Depth Over Dazzle
While none of these moves qualify as seismic, they show a front office focused on fortifying the team’s structure and improving versatility. With the Atlantic Division growing more competitive, Boston’s emphasis on character, toughness, and roster flexibility is a clear statement of identity. These aren’t splashy signings—but they’re precisely the kind of under-the-radar deals that can make a big difference over an 82-game season and into the playoffs.
The Bruins didn’t break the bank, but they may have built something even more important: a deeper, harder-to-play-against lineup ready to grind out wins.