Bruins after dark

As the offseason kicks into gear, Mason Lohrei finds himself at the heart of Boston’s contract talks — and the outcome could have a serious impact on the team’s future.

The 23-year-old defenseman is set to become a restricted free agent this summer, and the Bruins now have a decision to make: commit big, or hold off.

Drafted in the second round back in 2020, Lohrei signed a two-year entry-level deal worth $925K annually.

That contract is up, and based on new projections circulating online, his next one could be a lot bigger.

Brian DeFelice recently shared updated figures from @AFPAnalytics that show just how significant the jump could be.

Updated contract projections per @AFPAnalytics for BOS RFA’s:

Morgan Geekie – 6.5M x 4

Mason Lohrei – 5.4M x 6

John Beecher – 1.5M x 2

Jakub Lauko – 1.17M x 1

Marat Khusnutdinov – 924K x 2

These projections would leave BOS with 13.1M for UFA’s.

They’ll leave more than that.

Two paths, one pressure-filled decision

The Bruins have options. One is a short-term bridge deal — two years at roughly $3 million per season.

The other is a long-term commitment: six years, $5.4 million AAV.

The difference?

Security versus flexibility. A short deal lets the team re-evaluate later but brings Lohrei closer to unrestricted free agency.

The long one locks him in but demands a bigger cap hit right now.

Neither choice is simple, especially when Boston’s cap situation is already tight.

Sweeney’s negotiation style under the spotlight

GM Don Sweeney isn’t known for cutting big checks without hesitation.

He’s walked the line before — sometimes to his own detriment.

Just look at how things unfolded with Brad Marchand this year. That situation dragged out until Marchand took control and requested a trade to Florida.

Now the pressure’s on again, and Lohrei could be the next test.

Bruins can’t afford a misstep on this one

Lohrei’s not a guy you want to push out the door.

He’s still developing, but his size, mobility, and poise with the puck make him valuable — not just for Boston, but for any team watching this situation unfold.

The Bruins aren’t flush with options on defense, and mishandling this could leave them scrambling.

If they want him to be part of the long-term core, it’s going to take more than just talk. It’ll take a real commitment.

Will Boston step up and pay? Or will this turn into another slow-burn contract saga that leaves fans frustrated?