The Boston Bruins need extra bodies in camp given their commitment to play some exhibition games in China, and today announced several changes to their preseason roster. Those changes included two veteran forwards, Lee Stempniak and Daniel Winnik, who will attend Bruins camp on professional tryout agreements. The team also announced that David Krejci would not be heading overseas, replaced by Colby Cave on the roster heading to China.
Stempniak and Winnik are in similar situations as they near the ends of their careers, though both could likely still hold down a depth role in the NHL. The former played just 37 games for the Carolina Hurricanes last season and recorded nine points, while Winnik suited up for 81 contests with the Minnesota Wild and contributed 23 points. Stempniak did at one point have a far greater offensive ceiling, and even scored 16 goals and 40 points just two seasons ago for the Hurricanes.
Still, both seem unlikely candidates for an NHL contract given the youth that will be battling for roster spots in Boston. With players like Anders Bjork, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Trent Frederic, Jack Studnicka and others all in real competition for places on the depth chart, it would take a real surprise performance from Stempniak or Winnik to land a full-time role. Being in Bruins camp though does allow them to showcase their talents for the rest of the league, and perhaps a contract will come of it. It’s important to note that Winnik did earn an NHL deal with the Wild last season after being brought in on a PTO.
Probably not sign Stempniak and then trade a 2nd rounder for him 6 months later again…
Lmao