Bruins offer PTO to desirable UFA defenseman!

The offseason started out grimly for defenseman Alex Petrovic however, things are getting better for the unrestricted free agent. 

In the 2018-19 season, Petrovic took part in 35 total games with the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. He picked up two points, both assists, and averaged 16:32 time-on-ice per game. The Oilers did not look to re-sign him during the summer. 

You wouldn’t think that Petrovic would be targeted by many teams, however, a source close to the player told Boston Hockey Now that the Boston Bruins have offered a Professional Tryout Contract to the free agent defenseman. On top of that, it has been reported that the Carolina Hurricanes have offered Petrovic a two-way contract the Calgary Flames are showing interest as well.

The Bruins have made it clear they need to add depth on the back end, especially with Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo still unsigned ahead of training camp. 

During the weekend, president Cam Neely talked about a contingency plan incase neither RFAs are signed for camp and a PTO offer for Petrovic could be part of that very plan. The Bruins now have seven defensemen under contract and on their roster in Zdeno Chara, Matt Grzelcyk, Torey Krug, Steven Kampfer, Connor Clifton, John Moore and Kevan Miller. However, Miller and Moore are expected to kick off the season on injured reserve.

Petrovic could see this as a great opportunity to crack the Bruins’ roster, who will be looking for revenge in the playoffs. 

To be continued…