Don't expect the Bruins to be big buyers when the NHL free agency frenzy starts at noon today.
Traditionally, all the big-name players will be locked into deals within the next 24-48 hours. The Bruins, who need help in a few places, have about $7.8 million to spare.
The most pressing need is another top-four defenseman to lessen the load on Zdeno Chara the past two seasons. But the limited cap space shortens the list of potential suitors.
If general manager Peter Chiarelli is unable to reach an agreement with restricted free agent Phil Kessel, and trades the winger, the B's will need a replacement on one of the top-two scoring lines. But, if they re-sign Kessel, there will be limited flexibility.
Ideally, the Bruins would use roughly $3.3 million to re-sign Matt Hunwick, Mark Recchi (an unrestricted free agent who has shown interest in returning to Boston), P.J. Axelsson and Byron Bitz. That would leave $4.5 million to dip into the free agent market (or re-sign Kessel).
