On July 1, 2018, the Bruins signed Jaroslav Halak, John Moore, Chris Wagner and Joakim Nordstrom. All four, when healthy, were regulars in the lineup last season.



It’s possible that just one of the players the Bruins signed a year later could say the same.



Brett Ritchie became an unrestricted free agent after Dallas, his previous employer, declined to qualify the right wing following a 6-point season. Toronto traded Par Lindholm to Winnipeg after a 1-11—12 output through 61 games. Brendan Gaunce spent most of last season in the AHL. If Maxime Lagace sees varsity crease time, something bad will have happened to Tuukka Rask or Jaroslav Halak.



That as few as one of these newest Bruins is guaranteed a roster spot underscores the bottom-six nature of their abilities and the strength of the returning lineup. The signings are for depth purposes when, not if, injuries flare up.



Here is my outlook, assuming cap-compliant extensions for Charlie...