4 Bruins on Thin ice Heading Into the NHL Draft

3. Derek Forbort, D

The Bruins are blessed to have one of the better defensive groups in the NHL. Having said that, Derek Forbort doesn't exactly do much to help in that regard.

The veteran defenseman was often the cause of Bruins fans' frustrations during the latest campaign. Between his defensive miscues and lack of offensive productions, you could argue that Forbort was the worst of Boston's defensemen — especially when you consider that the club's goaltenders only played to a .901 save percentage when he was on the ice.

Considering how Hockey Reference lists the averaged 2023-24 SV% at .903, it's clear that the 32-year-old is a below-average blueliner.

Forbort is now set to hit free agency and there's little incentive to bring him back. Boston already has six defensemen returning for the 2024-25 campaign and could look to add another D-man with more upside than Forbort, whether that's in the form of a free-agent add or one of this year's prospects.

Stanley Cups can't be won without a reliable backend, which is why Forbort likely won't be re-signed this offseason. Between his lackluster play, injury history, and diminishing playing time under head coach Jim Montgomery, all signs point to an upcoming divorce.