With the Boston Bruins loss to their nemesis, the Montreal Canadiens, on Monday night, it is time to look ahead to the 2008-09 season. This season showed a lot of promise for the Black and Gold, and the future looks bright. With stars such as Phil Kessel and Chuck Kobasew on the rise, and top players such as Marc Savard and Zdeno Chara on top of their games, the Bruins can be optimistic about next year.

However, a few things need to be changed in 2008-09. Most likely the B’s will be getting Patrice Bergeron back from a concussion he suffered back in October, but, the Bruins will need more than just Bergeron. Before we get to the needs of the Black and Gold, here is a look of the team’s upcoming free agent situation, restricted and unrestricted.

UFA’s:

Aaron Ward (Defense):

Ward made $2.75 million last season and will probably be asking for a little more money this off-season. It is expected for the Bruins to have little dough under the cap, but, expect Peter Chiarelli to make a move toward re-signing Ward.

This season, Ward was solid on defense. In 65 games, Ward produced 13 points, but more importantly, his +9 rating was a key factor to the Bruins’ success. The veteran defenseman also only had 54 minutes in penalties. Possible suitors for Ward, if he does not return include the Rangers, Islanders, Sabres and his former team, the Red Wings.

Glen Metropolit (Forward):

Metropolit had a fine season in 2007-08. Coming from St. Louis, where he played in just 20 games in 2006-07, Metropolit came in for a tryout and made the Bruins’ roster. He rewarded the Bruins with 11 goals and 22 assists.

Metropolit’s $500,000 salary could be doubled in the off-season. The B’s will most likely make a run at him to come back for next year. After all, he is one of only three players who played in all 82 games this year for the Black and Gold. Other suitors could include the Flames, Sharks, Blue Jackets and Panthers.

Alex Auld (Goaltender):

Auld could be unlikely to return as he will look around to see if he can start somewhere in the league, but who would blame him? Auld’s salary is only $600,000 and he could expect more. And, with Tuukka Rask stationed to be Tim Thomas’ successor (probably in another three to four years), Auld will probably look to teams such as the Thrashers, Hurricanes, Lightning or even the Blackhawks.

Bobby Allen (Defense):

Allen played in 19 games this year, and who knows? If he stays with the club, he could be playing some more. The veteran defenseman and former Boston College Eagle will probably look elsewhere for work. Expect Allen to find another suitor, which could include the Ducks, Kings, Devils or Senators.

RFA’s:

Mark Stuart (Defense):

Stuart came up from the Providence Bruins last year and was a successful defenseman in his first full season with the big club. Stuart played in all 82 games and saw his productivity go up as the season progressed. Stuart’s future is bright in the NHL and he should be even better next year with another year of seasoning. The Bruins should look to restructure Stuart’s deal for a few more years.

Chuck Kobasew (Forward):

Kobasew had 22 goals this year, and was a pleasant surprise after being injured in 2006-07. His future is bright and should see his stats go up in 2008-09. Expect Kobasew to stay with the club and have his contract restructured.

Petteri Nokelainen (Forward):

Another surprise for the playoffs was Petteri Nokelainen, who played in 57 games and had seven goals and three assists. His productivity in the playoffs however, makes him another young star in the making for this club. Expect Nokelainen to be with the B’s next season.

So the question is, will the Bruins improve elsewhere in 2008-09? Here is a look at a couple of needs.

#1 Goal Scoring:

Only two players had over 20 goals for the Bruins; they were Kobasew and Marco Sturm. This is a need the Bruins must fill in day one of free agency. While Patrice Bergeron will help, there are some names out there such as Marian Hossa and maybe even Danny Heatley, who is rumored to be trade bait, even after re-signing a deal with Ottawa before the season began. With projected limited cap room however, a trade will be the most likely scenario.

#2 Another Point Man:

While Chara and Dennis Wideman made a good combination on the power play, with the help of Bergeron, the Bruins still might need one more point man this off-season. Brian Campbell is the biggest name out there, but, with limited cap room, the B’s might not go this direction.

Bruins fans should not be disappointed this year. The team was not expected to make it this far and the fact that they made the playoffs and forced a seventh game against the Habs is a step in the right direction.