This Bruins defenseman is not expected to be back next season.

The Boston Bruins have a big summer ahead of them. After making it to the second round during a bridge year, they are entering the offseason with a ton of cap space and will look to take advantage of it.

When it comes to their free agents, one player who is not expected to return is defenseman Derek Forbort. The 32-year-old just completed the three-year, $9 million contract he signed during the 2021 NHL Offseason.

Forbort dealt with serious injury trouble this season, and it played a role in his drop on the Bruins’ depth chart. Parker Wotherspoon cemented himself as the Bruins’ left-shot bottom-pairing defenseman and has already been signed to an extension.

Derek Forbort

Derek Forbort

© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

With Hampus Lindholm and Mason Lohrei also signed for next season, there just isn’t much room for Forbort to return.

Forbort appeared in just 35 games this season for the Bruins, posting four assists, 68 hits, and a plus-8 rating. Overall, it was a quiet year for the Minnesota native, and injury trouble was the reason for it.

While Forbort did not have the greatest of contract years, he should generate a fair amount of interest this summer. Teams love defensemen with size and physicality, so he should be able to secure a short-term deal elsewhere.