Although the NHL season is currently on pause, the Boston Bruins have been one of the league’s busiest teams over the past few weeks. They have signed multiple college free agents and agreed to a one-year extension with netminder Jaroslav Halak.
This offseason, they will also have multiple free agents to pursue or part with, including Joakim Nordstrom. While Nordstrom has been a solid piece, his future is uncertain with free agency only months away.
Nordstrom joined Boston on a two-year deal worth $ 1 million on July 1, 2018. The signing was not met with much excitement as he was coming off of a seven-point season for Carolina. The Swedish native, however, has been productive for the Bruins over the past two seasons.
First David Krejci. Now Joakim Nordstrom. What planet am I on #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/aMdRKXuUZl
— Bruins Diehards (@BruinsDiehards) March 4, 2020
In 118 games for Boston, Nordstrom has 11 goals and eight assists. In that span, he has three game-winning goals and is averaging a career-high ice time of 12:55. Nordstrom has seen most of his time on the third and fourth lines but also spent some time in the Bruins’ top six. He has not been afraid to drop the gloves, either.
Additionally, Nordstrom was effective in the Bruins’ playoff run last year that saw them fall one win short of a championship. In 23 playoff games, Nordstrom had three goals and five assists. Before last season, Nordstrom had appeared in 10 career postseason games but failed to register a point.
Although Nordstrom has had a good run in Boston, the Bruins have many players in Providence awaiting an opportunity in the NHL. That list includes former first-round pick Trent Frederic, who has appeared in 17 games for the Bruins over the past two seasons. He also has one year left on his current deal with a cap hit of $925,000.
Joakim Nordstrom has been on fire in these playoffs. What a pass to Chris Wagner for the goal pic.twitter.com/qEBrc1YVqD
— Evan Marinofsky (@EvanMarinofsky) May 15, 2019
Throughout Nordstrom’s time in Boston, he has been a solid two-way player. During the 2018-2019 season, the veteran winger blocked a career-high 52 shots. Nordstrom also landed 86 hits and attempted 103 shots, which is the second-highest total of his career. During Nordstrom’s run in Boston, he has a plus/ minus rating of negative six, which is the best mark of his career.
While Nordstrom has been an effective depth piece, Torey Krug, Jake DeBrusk, and Zdeno Chara will all be free agents this offseason. The veteran winger won’t require a massive deal, but his spot on the roster could be filled by a player in Providence at a cheaper cost. Free agency, however, is months away with the return of the 2019-2020 season to be determined.
