The Boston Bruins and backup goalie Anton Khudobin may circle back to each other by July 1, but both sides agreed to take advantage of the current open interview period to see what’s available, according to a source.

While that may not mean it’s definitely the end for Khudobin in Boston, it’s certainly not promising given the fact both sides expressed a desire to keep the relationship going after Khudobin enjoyed a very solid year as Tuukka Rask’s backup. The unrestricted free agent was instrumental in getting the Bruins through a rough patch when Rask was finding his game, Khudobin finished with a 15-6-1 record, .913 save percentage and 2.58 goals-against average.

However, the sides have not found common ground on the goalie’s value. The market for an established backup could be between $2.25 million and $3.25 million, which would be a nice raise for Khudobin, who made $1.2 million, even if he does land in the low end of that spectrum.

So where do the Bruins go, if they move away from Khudobin?

The Athletic reported the Bruins are one of several teams in touch with 32-year-old Carter Hutton, the former UMass-Lowell netminder who had an excellent year with the St. Louis Blues (17-7-3, 2.09 GA, .931 SP), though it would be hard to imagine paying Hutton any less than Khudobin.

The Bruins could also be in on 29-year-old Jonathan Bernier, at one time believed to be the Maple Leafs’ savior who played on a one-year deal with Colorado last year worth $2.75 million. He posted an 18-13-2 record with a 2.87 goals against average.

Advertisement

The Bruins might land a short-term deal with 26-year-old Robin Lehner, who was not qualified by the Buffalo Sabres and could look to improve his numbers with a better team. And he might be able to push Rask a bit.

There’s also longtime Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward, 34, who posted a good record with a non-playoff team at 22-14-2 with a .905 save percentage.

Whatever the case, the Bruins-Khudobin marriage seems a lot less likely to survive than it did even a few days ago.

THE BRUINS reportedly met on Tuesday in Los Angeles with John Tavares, 28, who is one of the biggest free-agent prizes in years.

On Wednesday, SportsNet’s Chris Johnson reported Tavares will no longer be adding to his list of potential teams – and that the Bruins were one of the six finalists.

STILL IN need of a scoring boost on the wing, the Bruins are reportedly looking at one of the top speeders in the NHL once free agency opens up on Sunday.

Mark Divver of the Providence Journal tweeted that the Bruins have “checked in” on forward Michael Grabner, who played for the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils last season.

Grabner, 30, was one of the top trade-deadline targets for contending teams last season, finishing out with 27 goals and 36 points.

Grabner has 27 goals in each of his last two seasons, and is well regarded as an effective penalty killer. He turns 31 years old on Oct. 5 and is likely due for a pay raise after making $1.65 million last season.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.