Boston Bruins Rumors: Latest Free-Agent Updates and Trade Chatter

We are two days into free agency, and as expected, the Bruins have not been able to sign any new players since they lack cap room.

So far, they have lost three players, veteran forwards Jarome Iginla and Shawn Thornton and backup goalie Chad Johnson.

Here's a look at the Boston Bruins' moves thus far in free agency, beginning with the most recent.

Update: July 1, 2:28 p.m. by Brad Kurtzberg

It's official that the Bruins have lost forward Jarome Iginla. The veteran signs with the Colorado Avalanche, reported as a 3-year, $16 million deal. The three years is surprising. Bruins wanted Iginla back but realistically couldn't afford to keep him and stay under the cap.

--End of Update--

Update: July 1, 1:23 p.m. ET by Franklin Steele

Shawn Thornton has found a new home. No more merlot line.

--End of Update--

Update: July 1, 12:53 p.m. ET by Brad Kurtzberg

Backup goalie Chad Johnson has signed a two-year deal with the New York Islanders where he'll serve as the backup to Jaroslav Halak. Bruins expected to lose Johnson.

--End of Update--

The big question surrounding the Boston Bruins as free agency gets underway is whether the team will be able to bring back winger Jarome Iginla for another season.

The Bruins are limited right now by their salary-cap situation. According to CapGeek.com, the Bruins have a little more than $1.67 million in available cap space right now, and that makes it tough to sign any players in the open market.

General manager Peter Chiarelli will have to make some trades to create cap space. According to Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston, one player who may be on the block is defenseman Johnny Boychuk. Boychuk will be a free agent next summer and carries a cap hit of $3.36 million.

According to Amalie Benjamin of The Boston Globe, Chiarelli has already said that fourth-line forward Shawn Thornton won't be back next year.

In addition to Iginla, the Bruins have to re-sign restricted free agents like Reilly Smith, Torey Krug and Matt Bartkowski.

The emphasis in Boston heading into free agency will be keeping Iginla if possible and re-signing the aforementioned restricted free agents.

The Bruins organization remains confident that the team as presently constructed will be a Stanley Cup contender in 2014-15 and perhaps a few years after that.