The Boston Bruins have placed Brandon Bussi, Jiri Patera, Billy Sweezey, Jeffrey Viel, and Patrick Brown on waivers.
In a move that has caught the attention of many hockey fans, the Boston Bruins have placed five players on waivers: goaltenders Brandon Bussi and Jiri Patera, defenseman Billy Sweezey, forward Jeffrey Viel, and center Patrick Brown. This roster decision comes as the Bruins look to finalize their lineup ahead of the 2024-2025 NHL season.
Brandon Bussi and Jiri Patera: The Goaltender Shuffle
Among the players placed on waivers, the most notable are goaltenders Brandon Bussi and Jiri Patera.
Both netminders have been part of the Bruins’ organizational depth chart for some time, but with the team’s focus on its NHL-ready goaltending duo—Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman—there has been little room for development in the NHL ranks.
Bussi, 24, has shown promise in the AHL, particularly with the Providence Bruins, but he faces stiff competition for a spot on Boston’s active roster.
With the NHL season fast approaching, the Bruins have decided to give other teams an opportunity to claim Bussi, whose playing style and experience could make him a valuable asset to another organization in need of goaltending depth.
Patera, also 24, has had a similarly strong AHL showing, though his chances in the NHL have been limited.
His placement on waivers signals the Bruins’ desire to test the waters and see if another team may be interested in bringing him aboard as a potential future backup option.
Billy Sweezey: Defensive Depth in Question
Defenseman Billy Sweezey, 26, has been a key part of the Bruins’ AHL defense corps and was known for his physical style of play.
While his size and toughness have been assets in the minor leagues, it remains to be seen if an NHL team will be willing to give him a chance.
Sweezey’s ability to contribute in a depth role could be enticing for teams looking to add size and grit to their back end.
Jeffrey Viel and Patrick Brown: Forward Depth Adjustments
Viel, 26, is a forward known for his physicality and toughness. He has spent a large portion of his career in the AHL, but his ability to play in a bottom-six role with Boston made him a potential candidate for the NHL roster.
The Bruins have been making adjustments to their forward group, and placing Viel on waivers could open the door for a younger player to step into a bottom-line role.
Meanwhile, Patrick Brown, 31, has seen limited time with the Bruins after being acquired in a trade last season. Brown is a veteran of 150 NHL games and was brought in to provide depth at center.
His placement on waivers may indicate the Bruins are shifting their focus to younger options as they finalize their forward group for the upcoming season.
What’s Next?
If none of these players are claimed by other NHL teams, they will likely be assigned to the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, to continue their development.
The waiver process also gives other teams an opportunity to make roster adjustments ahead of the new season.
With training camp winding down, these moves further highlight Boston’s efforts to tighten up their roster in preparation for what promises to be another competitive season in the Eastern Conference.
Fans will be watching closely to see if any of these players are claimed or if they remain part of the Bruins’ organizational depth.