Pending free agent forward wants to return to Bruins, but future in Boston is unknown

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Pending free agent forward wants to return to Bruins, but future in Boston is unknown

Lauren Campbell · MassLive

Sun, May 3, 2026 ·

2 min read

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BOSTON — Viktor Arvidsson’s first year with the Bruins left a memorable impression.

The forward finished with 25 goals and 29 assists in 69 games for Boston. Arvidsson, who was acquired by the Bruins from the Edmonton Oilers last July for a 2027 fifth-round pick, is set to become a free agent .

“I’d be happy to talk to (general manager Don Sweeney) about coming back,” Arvidsson said on Sunday. “Just a lot of areas that needs to be figured out with my family and stuff like that.”

Arvidsson skated on the second line with Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha on a consistent basis. They were often Boston’s best line and built chemistry throughout the season that led them to having success on the ice.

“I had so much fun. It was a great year,” Arvidsson said.

Zacha and Mittelstadt are both under contract in 2026-27. Arvidsson admitted knowing that makes wanting to return next season more attractive.

“Yeah. Obviously, I think there’s a lot of the players that are under contract with this team, so we’re probably going to have, pretty much, the same group. If me and ( Andrew Peeke ) come back too, that’d be great after this year.”

Peeke said he loves being with the Bruins , but elected to remain tight-lipped about what, if any conversations were had about potentially returning next year.

Marco Sturm liked what Arvidsson brought to the team, noting the forward gave him “exactly what I was hoping for.”

“He didn’t disappoint me. He was a big part not just on the ice, but also in this room as a leader as well,” Sturm said. “I really appreciate Arvi coming in and be the guy he was. It would be nice to have him back, but there’s more to it.”

Aside from going into the offseason as a free agent, Arvidsson will continue to recover from a fractured rib and punctured lung that caused him to miss playoff games .

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