**Bruins Bolster Roster with Five Free Agent Signings**
The Boston Bruins were active on the first day of NHL free agency, signing a mix of forwards and defensemen to strengthen their lineup.
In addition to securing long-term deals for Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov and signing Max Jones, the Bruins announced the addition of forwards Riley Tufte, Cole Koepke, and Jeffrey Viel, as well as veteran defensemen Jordan Oesterle and Billy Sweezy.
Four of the five players signed two-way contracts, while Tufte received a one-year deal worth $775,000. Viel’s two-year contract includes a $775,000 annual salary, with the first year being two-way and the second year one-way.
Tufte, a 26-year-old forward standing at 6’6″ and 230 pounds, played five games for the Colorado Avalanche last season and excelled with their AHL affiliate, scoring 23 goals and 22 assists in 67 games. He was originally a first-round pick by the Dallas Stars in 2016.
Viel, 27, didn’t play in the NHL last season but spent three seasons with the San Jose Sharks, recording three goals and two assists in 49 games. He played 69 games for the Winnipeg Jets’ AHL affiliate last season, scoring 17 goals and 23 assists.
Koepke, on a one-year two-way contract, appeared in 26 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning over the past two seasons, with one goal and two assists. Last season in the AHL, the 26-year-old left winger scored 20 goals and 19 assists.
Oesterle, the most experienced NHL player among the new signings, has played 10 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, and Calgary Flames. The 32-year-old defenseman played 22 games for the Flames last season, recording two assists. His best season was in 2018-19 with the Coyotes, where he scored six goals and 14 assists.
Sweezy, a 28-year-old defenseman, has played nine NHL games with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Known for his physicality, Sweezy, a native of Hanson, Mass., brings a hometown presence to the Bruins.
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