The Boston Bruins have locked up one of their key restricted free agents, announcing on Monday that they have signed defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year extension that carries an annual cap hit of $3.2 million.
Lohrei, 24, would have become a restricted free agent on July 1. In his first full NHL season last year, he had 33 points (5 goals, 28 assists) in 77 games, bringing a much-needed element of offense from the blue line for a team that needs offensive help wherever it can get it.
However, Lohrei was also an NHL-worst minus-43 -- partly the product of the Bruins just not being a good team, but also a clear sign that Lohrei still needs to make significant strides in his own defensive game.
This contract, essentially a bridge deal, gives both the Bruins and Lohrei more time for him to develop before making any kind of long-term commitment.
Lohrei, originally a second-round pick in 2020, is clearly an NHL defenseman, but what he will ultimately be remains to be seen. He should at least be an offensive-minded third-pairing D who gets some power-play time, but the Bruins are hoping he'll develop into an all-situations top-four defenseman and potential long-term partner next to Charlie McAvoy.
If he does take that next step, then Lohrei's next contract will be his big payday. For now, though, the short-term extension seems to make sense for both sides.
The Bruins' biggest restricted free agent, forward Morgan Geekie, remains in need of a new extension. While Boston would prefer to get that done before July 1, they would still have him under some team control even if it's not done before then.