Bruins Bet on Mittelstadt’s $17.25M Potential as Young Forward Faces Pivotal Season
The Boston Bruins are gearing up for a critical season as they aim to reestablish their place in the playoff race. After a tumultuous previous campaign that saw significant roster changes, this year brings a renewed sense of optimism with a younger lineup poised to inject fresh energy into the team. However, amidst this transition, a cloud of uncertainty looms over several players, most notably Casey Mittelstadt.
Mittelstadt’s Crucial Moment
Entering a pivotal season, Mittelstadt finds himself under pressure to justify the three-year, $17.25 million contract he inked last offseason. Acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in a trade that sent Charlie Coyle to Denver, the former first-round pick has yet to make a significant impact since joining the Bruins. With his performance under scrutiny, the upcoming training camp will be crucial for Mittelstadt, as he strives to secure a permanent position in the team’s lineup.
The expectation is high for the 26-year-old forward. The Bruins are looking for him to demonstrate that he can be a capable top-six forward, showcasing the potential that once made him the eighth overall selection in the 2017 NHL Draft. However, if he fails to meet these expectations, the possibility of hitting the waiver wire looms large.
Waiver Wire Implications
Should Mittelstadt continue to struggle, the Bruins may have no choice but to place him on waivers. While this would be a costly decision, it might be a necessary one given the circumstances. Fortunately for the Bruins, Mittelstadt’s cap hit of $5.725 million is likely to deter other teams from claiming him. Unless a franchise is specifically in need of a center and has the cap space to accommodate his full salary, it’s probable that he would clear waivers.
This situation presents both advantages and disadvantages for the Bruins. On the positive side, if Mittelstadt clears waivers, the team wouldn’t lose him for nothing, allowing them to potentially trade him later for assets. However, the downside is that even if he spends time in the AHL, the Bruins would still be burdened by his cap hit. While this may not pose an immediate issue, it could create complications down the line.
Looking Ahead
As training camp approaches, the Bruins may explore the market for potential trades involving Mittelstadt. If several teams face injuries or other issues down the middle, there could be interest in claiming him off waivers. The Bruins could then use the freed-up cap space to seek out another center who could better fit their needs.
For players like Mittelstadt, a demotion to the AHL isn’t necessarily a death knell; rather, it can serve as a reset button. It provides an opportunity to reassess their game and work on the skills needed to thrive in the NHL. For Mittelstadt, a stint in the AHL could be the chance to rediscover the talent that made him a top draft pick. He’s still at an age where he could contribute meaningfully to the league for years to come. The real challenge lies in his ability to regain momentum and prove that there is still significant growth potential ahead.
