The deadline to extend qualifying offers to restricted free agents was Tuesday, and the Boston Bruins took care of business with several players.
The Bruins announced they extended qualifying offers to defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo, as well as forwards Danton Heinen, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Ryan Fitzgerald and Peter Cehlarik. The Bruins didn't extend a QO to forward Gemel Smith, who was picked up by Boston off of waivers in December.
The ideal outcome would be to workout long-term deals with a few of these players before next season, especially McAvoy, who projects to be the team's No. 1 defenseman for many years.
If these players reject their qualifying offer, they will remain an RFA and their rights will be retained by Boston. RFAs can begin agreeing to sign offer sheets with rival teams on July 1, which is when free agency begins.
In addition to these RFAs, the Bruins must also consider re-signing unrestricted free agent forwards Marcus Johansson and Noel Acciari.
The Bruins have $12,003,334 in salary cap space as of Wednesday, per Cap Friendly.
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