2026 Bruins offseason: Key dates for NHL draft, free agency and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Bruins had a successful 2025-26 NHL season during which they earned 100 points (45-27-10) and made it back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Unfortunately for the B’s, that postseason run was short lived as the Original Six franchise lost to the Buffalo Sabres in a six-game first-round series.
Now it’s time for general manager Don Sweeney to make the necessary roster improvements over the offseason to ensure the team takes another step forward in its development in the 2026-27 campaign.
Sweeney has a pretty good war chest of assets to use in pursuit of roster upgrades. The Bruins have a decent amount of salary cap space, five first-round picks in the next three drafts and an improved prospect pool.
Here’s a quick recap of the key offseason dates that fans should circle on their calendars:
May 31: 2026 NHL Scouting Combine
Every team will get an up-close look at the top prospects in the 2026 draft class at the scouting combine in Buffalo. The event wraps up June 6.
June 26-27: 2026 NHL Draft
The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft will take place Friday, June 26 beginning at 7 p.m. ET at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Rounds two through seven are scheduled for Saturday, June 27 starting at 11 a.m. ET.
The Bruins have the No. 23 overall pick in the first round.
June 29: Bruins Development Camp
The Bruins’ annual development camp showcases the team’s best prospects. It’s also a good opportunity to watch the team’s new draft picks compete against their peers throughout the organization.
July 1: NHL free agency begins
The free agent market opens at noon ET.
The Bruins have about $15.4 million in salary cap space right now, per PuckPedia. This year’s class of unrestricted free agents is pretty weak, but there are a couple good players who could be available, including top-six forward Alex Tuch and defenseman Darryn Raddysh.
September 11: Rookie Camp
Bruins Rookie Camp begins on Friday, Sept. 11. It’s an opportunity for these young players to begin building their case to be considered for an Opening Night roster spot.
September 16: Bruins training camp begins
Training camp kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Mass. It will be the Bruins’ second training camp under head coach Marco Sturm.