Joakim Nordstrom’s Run in Boston Could Be Coming to An End

Over the next week, there will be a flurry of action in the NHL. The draft is set to begin on October sixth, with free agency starting on October ninth. As teams look to reshape their rosters, the Bruins have been a popular name in the rumor mill of late. While the Bruins do not have a lengthy free-agent class, one player who may not be back next year is Joakim Nordstrom. The Bruins forward has been a dependable piece, but on Monday morning, General Manager Don Sweeney cast doubt on his return.

In a press conference with the media, Sweeney said that the Bruins would not be aggressive in resigning Nordstrom in the short term. While that does not entirely rule out a return, it does significantly decrease the likelihood. Although he is a player that can be replaced, Nordstrom has been a productive player in Boston.

First David Krejci. Now Joakim Nordstrom. What planet am I on #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/aMdRKXuUZl

— Bruins Diehards (@BruinsDiehards) March 4, 2020

In 118 regular-season games for the Bruins, Nordstrom has scored 11 goals and recorded eight assists. In that span, the former third-round pick has also landed 177 hits and 83 shots. During Nordstrom’s time in Boston, he has been more aggressive offensively as he is shooting the pick 7.2 percent of the time, which is a career-high.

Nordstroms’ Future

Additionally, Nordstrom has been productive in the playoffs. Before joining the Bruins, Nordstrom had appeared in 10 postseason games but failed to record a point. With the Bruins, the Swedish native has broken that trend as he has three goals and seven assists in 36 playoff games. In that span, he has also been a playoff warrior by landing 114 hits.

Although Nordstrom’s stats don’t jump off the page, he fits perfectly into the Bruins bottom six. He also had a flair for the dramatic as he has three game-winning goals with the Bruins. The defending Eastern Conference champions, however, have cheaper and younger options waiting in Providence such as Trent Frederic.

JOAKIM NORDSTROM IN OVERTIME! BRUINS WIN!#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/Vc2ZDCuVbc

— Hockey Daily 365 (@HockeyDaily365) November 24, 2018

While the offseason is not even a month old, the Bruins have made it clear that significant changes could be ahead. Nordstrom may be a casualty with the futures of Jake DeBrusk and Torey Krug taking priority. The fate of those two will determine what direction the Bruins take for the rest of the offseason.

Regardless of what the Bruins do, Nordstrom will draw interest on the free-agent market. He won’t command big money but could serve as a depth piece for a contending team. If this is his end in Boston, Nordstrom will be remembered for his gritty style of play as one of the Bruins’ most dependable pieces.

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