As the Boston Bruins gear up for the 2026-27 season, it’s hard not to feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. While the offseason has been relatively quiet, the team’s contract situation looms large, and personally, I think it’s a topic that deserves far more scrutiny than it’s getting. Let’s face it: some deals on the books are head-scratchers, and they could shape the team’s trajectory in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Here’s my take on the three contracts that stand out as the most problematic—and why they matter more than you might realize.
The Inherited Burden: Casey Mittelstadt
One thing that immediately stands out is Casey Mittelstadt’s contract. Yes, Don Sweeney inherited this deal from the Colorado Avalanche as part of the Charlie Coyle trade, but that doesn’t make it any less of a thorn in the Bruins’ side. With an AAV of $5.75 million in its final year, it’s a hefty price tag for a player who, while solid, isn’t exactly irreplaceable. What makes this particularly fascinating is the opportunity cost: Mittelstadt’s spot could easily go to a younger, hungrier player ready to prove themselves.
From my perspective, this contract is a symptom of a larger issue in the NHL—teams overpaying for mid-tier talent in the hopes of a quick fix. What many people don’t realize is that these deals often end up blocking the pipeline of prospects, and in the Bruins’ case, Will Zellers, the real prize of that trade, is the one who could suffer. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about Mittelstadt; it’s about the systemic challenges of roster management in a salary cap era.
The Press Box Dilemma: Henri Jokiharju
Henri Jokiharju’s three-year, $3 million AAV extension is another head-scratcher. Don’t get me wrong—acquiring him from the Buffalo Sabres in 2025 made sense at the time. But extending him? That’s a decision that feels increasingly questionable. With a crowded blue line, Jokiharju risks becoming a $3 million press box fixture, and that’s not just bad optics—it’s poor resource allocation.
What this really suggests is that the Bruins might have overestimated their defensive needs or underestimated the depth they already had. In my opinion, Jokiharju should be a prime trade candidate. Moving him could free up cap space and create room for younger defensemen to step up. The bigger question here is: why are teams still handing out multi-year deals to players who might not even crack the lineup consistently? It’s a trend that needs rethinking.
The High-Risk Gamble: Elias Lindholm
Elias Lindholm’s $7.75 million AAV contract is the elephant in the room. When Sweeney signed him, it felt like a bold move to bolster the team’s offensive firepower. But with Lindholm’s persistent back injuries, it’s turned into a costly gamble. What makes this situation so intriguing is how it highlights the unpredictability of player health—something no GM can fully account for.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this deal reflects the pressure on GMs to make splashy moves. Lindholm’s contract isn’t just a financial burden; it’s a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go awry. The Bruins are now stuck riding out this deal, hoping for a turnaround. But if you ask me, it’s a cautionary tale about the risks of overcommitting to injury-prone players.
The Broader Implications
These contracts aren’t just isolated issues—they’re part of a larger narrative about the Bruins’ identity and future. The team is at a crossroads, balancing veteran presence with the need to develop young talent. What this really suggests is that Sweeney’s decisions over the next year will define his legacy. Will he double down on these deals, or will he find creative ways to pivot?
One thing is clear: the Bruins can’t afford to let these contracts stifle their growth. In a league where cap management is king, every dollar counts. Personally, I think the team needs to get aggressive in moving Jokiharju and finding a way to mitigate the impact of Lindholm’s deal. As for Mittelstadt? His final year could be his last chance to prove he’s worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one takeaway here, it’s that the Bruins’ contract situation is a microcosm of the challenges facing modern NHL franchises. It’s easy to criticize deals in hindsight, but the real test is how teams adapt. From my perspective, the Bruins have the talent to contend, but these contracts could be the anchors that hold them back. The question now is: will they sink or swim? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this season is going to be fascinating to watch.
