NHL Free Agents 2015: Latest Rumors and Predictions Around the League

The Boston Bruins made news when they signed Matt Beleskey shortly after free agency started, but the aggressive free-agent forward from Anaheim was not the only signing they wanted to make.

According to Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com, the Bruins also wanted to add former Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green. The offensive-minded defenseman, who has excelled on the power play, instead signed a three-year, $18 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings.

The Bruins' defensive corps took a big hit just before the start of the season when Johnny Boychuk was traded to the New York Islanders. That group took another hit shortly before the NHL draft when Dougie Hamilton was traded to the Calgary Flames.

Since Zdeno Chara, 38, may not be quite as effective as he was a few years ago, and Dennis Seidenberg, 33, may have also lost some effectiveness, the Bruins need to shore up their defense. A right-handed defenseman would seem to be the best fit because Boychuk and Hamilton were both right handed.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya is a free agent who played a key role in Chicago's championship run this spring. While he has many of the characteristics the Bruins admire, such as toughness, shot-blocking ability and excellent instincts, he is not a big contributor on the offensive end.

Oduya has never scored more than seven goals or 29 points in a season.

That's a negative for the Bruins because Boychuk has one of the hardest right-handed shots from the blue line, while Hamilton is a creative player who senses the openings and is a strong shooter and an excellent passer

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

One right-handed defenseman with those qualities who could be on the move this summer is Kevin Shattenkirk of the St. Louis Blues. The New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers have had discussions about Shattenkirk in the last few weeks, according to Haggerty.

However, Shattenkirk may not be available in a trade, according to his agent Jordan Neumann, relayed by ESPN The Magazine's Craig Custance.

"

Spoke w/Kevin Shattenkirk's agent Jordan Neumann who says there's no truth that Shattenkirk is being dealt.

— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) July 1, 2015"

That denial may or may not mean anything. Shattenkirk has two years remaining on his contract, which is one reason why the Blues may want to keep him. However, having that second year on his deal may also make him more valuable on the trade front.

Since the Blues just traded T.J. Oshie to Washington and are not averse to making changes after their latest playoff failure, look for Shattenkirk to get moved to an Eastern Conference team such as the Rangers, Flyers or Bruins during the summer.