Former Boston Bruins Defenseman cStill Searching for a New Team

As the 2025-26 NHL season draws closer, one former Boston Bruins defenseman, Matt Grzelcyk, remains without a team. The 31-year-old blueliner, who spent the previous season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, is facing a surprising reality: despite his strong performance, he's still looking for work.

Grzelcyk, a product of the Boston Bruins’ system, made the move to Pittsburgh last offseason, signing a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Penguins. Throughout the 2024-25 season, he played all 82 games, contributing significantly to the Penguins' defense and offense with 39 points, including 38 assists and one goal. His offensive ability, particularly on the power play, has long been a hallmark of his game, and his vision with the puck remains among the best for defensemen in the league.

However, despite his contributions, the Penguins did not re-sign Grzelcyk, and he now enters the free agent market as one of the more intriguing defensemen available. While the market has been slow, the question remains: why is a player with such a productive year still without a contract?

One factor may be teams' reluctance to offer long-term deals, as many organizations are focused on managing their salary cap space. Though Grzelcyk’s puck-moving ability and playmaking are assets that could enhance any team’s defense, some franchises are looking for more cost-effective options or are uncertain about his long-term role.

Despite the uncertainty, Grzelcyk’s agent, Peter Fish, remains confident that his client will find a spot soon. "Sometimes, it’s not the worst thing to do. It’s a little bit uneasy at times, but when you sit down and you can see exactly what teams have now, waiting can be beneficial," Fish explained. "When you wait a little bit and can say, 'Well, this is definitely going to be a good spot for me,' it often works out."

Grzelcyk is known for his smart, efficient play on the back end and his ability to contribute offensively, particularly in transition. His experience and skill set make him a top-tier defenseman still available on the free-agent market. While some teams may be hesitant to offer multi-year contracts, Grzelcyk’s talent and potential make him a highly sought-after commodity.

As training camps approach, Grzelcyk’s situation is something to watch. Teams looking for a left-handed defenseman with strong puck-moving skills could look to add him to their roster before the season begins. With numerous teams still holding cap space, it seems likely that Grzelcyk will find a home soon, whether he returns to Boston or heads to a new team. His future remains uncertain, but his ability and experience ensure that he won’t be without a job for long.