Florida Panthers Rumors: Bruins Forward Becoming Top Free-Agent Target

After trading Taylor Hall and his $6 million cap hit to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Boston Bruins are focused on bringing back Tyler Bertuzzi. However, if a new deal is not agreed upon, the Florida Panthers are expected to target Bertuzzi on July 1, according to Andy Strickland.

The Panthers are looking to build off of their excellent postseason run, and bringing in a top-six forward like Bertuzzi would certainly be a good way to do that. They also saw exactly what Bertuzzi is capable of during their first round series against Boston, as the scrappy winger posted five goals and 10 points in seven contests.

It would add more salt in the wound for the Bruins if they lose Bertuzzi to the Panthers, the team that they blew their 3-1 series lead to in the postseason. However, given their cap situation, there is a good chance that they could lose Bertuzzi, whether it is to Florida or another club.

Alas, we will need to wait and see what happens with Bertuzzi from here. If the Bruins fail to bring him back in, expect to see Florida heavily pursue him once we hit July 1.