With free agency closing in, Morgan Geekie remains without a new deal in Boston, sparking unease among fans as Don Sweeney juggles offseason priorities.
A breakout year from Geekie, but no contract to show for it yet
Morgan Geekie couldn’t have drawn it up any better. After arriving in Boston two summers ago without much buzz, the 25-year-old forward turned in a career-best season, 33 goals, 24 assists, and the kind of consistent two-way effort that doesn’t go unnoticed in this city.
He earned the 7th Player Award, given by the fans to the Bruin who most exceeded expectations. He played a major role in keeping Boston’s offense afloat. And now, just over a week before NHL free agency opens, he’s still unsigned.
It’s not that fans are panicking, yet, but they’re starting to wonder: what’s taking so long?
Sweeney’s track record with RFAs adds to the tension
Don Sweeney doesn’t have a reputation for letting restricted free agents walk, but he does have a habit of letting negotiations drag out longer than most would like.
Jeremy Swayman’s arbitration saga from last summer is still fresh in people’s minds. And before that, Trent Frederic went through a similar wait-and-see process before finally agreeing to terms.
It’s rarely a sign of anything sinister. But when you’re a fan watching the days tick down, silence starts to feel ominous.
Geekie staying composed, but fully aware
If Geekie’s worried, he’s not showing it. Speaking with the media recently, he kept things light, even if his comments showed he’s paying attention.
I honestly don’t ask too many questions when it comes to that. Like I’ve said, I love playing in Boston and would love to be there as long as I can.
I’m super hopeful it will be sorted out, but [the Bruins are busy with] a high pick in the draft, and there’s free agents to be had.
I think for me it’s more a matter of when, I guess, it’s going to happen when it happens, and I’m not putting too much pressure on it.
he said.
That last line, “it’s going to happen when it happens”, says a lot. Geekie isn’t pushing, but he’s expecting Boston to follow through.
A busy front office can’t afford to lose focus on internal deals
The Bruins are heading into a pivotal week. They hold the seventh overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and are expected to be active when the free agent market opens. Don Sweeney’s plate is full, no question about it.
But that can’t be an excuse for letting a player like Geekie slip through the cracks.
He’s the kind of versatile forward you don’t replace easily. He kills penalties. He chips in offense. He fits the identity the Bruins are trying to build back after last offseason’s veteran departures.
Sweeney publicly stated two months ago that Geekie would be back. But with the calendar about to flip to July, those words need to turn into a contract, and soon.
Until that happens, there’s every reason for Bruins fans to feel a little anxious. Because while the offseason is about chasing upgrades, keeping your own success stories in-house should be just as high on the priority list.
