As noted earlier today and now confirmed by TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Boston Bruins have signed left winger Kenny Agostino to a one-year, one-way contract worth $875K. The former Yale standout will return to New England in hopes of finally getting a long NHL look. The Bruins have been fairly quiet on the first day of free agency, signing only Agostino, Paul Postma, and re-signing Jordan Szwarz. However, of the three signings, Agostino by far has the highest potential to impact the 2017-18 team.
In 2016-17, Agostino was awarded the AHL’s MVP award after registering 24 goals and 59 assists for 83 points in just 65 games with the Chicago Wolves, the former affiliate of the St. Louis Blues. Agostino led the league in scoring by 15 points and was the top assist man by 11. He also played to a +24 and was a point-per-game player in the postseason as well. In the NHL, Agostino also contributed a goal and two assists in seven games. While Agostino has never had any sustained success at the highest level, the 25-year-old has the tools to succeed if given the chance.
In Boston, Agostino should at least be given some opportunity. Many felt that the Bruins needed a top-six left winger, but GM Don Sweeney has indicated that he did not want to block the development of their younger players like Jake DeBrusk, Peter Cehlarik, and Anders Bjork. Between Matt Beleskey, Frank Vatrano, and now Agostino, the Bruins have multiple player they can try out on the third and fourth line before dipping into the minors. If it doesn’t work out with Agostino, the Bruins also stand a good chance of passing the 25-year-old through waivers if need be. It is a very low-risk, high-upside signing for Sweeney and company.
Typical move with this Owner… it’s a shame that a team with a diehard fan base like the Bruins are stuck with an professional businessman owner who is in the NHL to maximize profits. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that as Mr Jacobs has succeeded in multiple profitable business ventures. It’s just a shame that this is the owner of an Original 6 franchise… Hopefully, Sweeney grows a backbone and comes clean to the media and tells the fans that Mr Jacobs is more worried about the bottom line than he is in the Stanley cup, unlike prior GM Harry Sinden who loved to throw his players under the bus while managing to hold onto his GM job for thirty plus years WITHOUT EVER winning anything … like I said, nothing wrong with the way Mr Jacobs conducts his business, just wish he owned Winnepeg or Vancouver and let the black and gold bleeding Brooooins fans have someone like Mr Kraft buy them ….
You do know in the NHL like NFL there is a salary cap… that argument against the Bruins is old. And they have been one of like 5 teams to win the cup in the last 10 years