The Boston Bruins turned heads this season by defying expectations and clinching a playoff berth. But as the old saying goes, "what have you done for me lately?" Next season, the pressure will be on to prove it wasn't a fluke and return to the postseason with authority.

To do that, the Bruins could get aggressive this offseason—and one glaring need is on the blue line. Boston could use another puck-moving defenseman who can spark offense from the back end. That's where veteran NHL insider Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic steps in, urging the Bruins to set their sights on Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh when free agency opens.

"The Tampa Bay Lightning right-shot defenseman picked the right time to rocket through his ceiling," Shinzawa wrote. "The UFA-to-be hit career bests in goals (22) and assists (48). He will collect many multiples of his current $975,000 annual salary."

Shinzawa didn't mince words about the challenge ahead. "Raddysh will have his choice of employer. His price may be too steep for the Bruins. But considering how the right side drops off after Charlie McAvoy, they have to raise their hand for Raddysh's services."

Raddysh is shaping up to be the crown jewel of the July 1 free agent class, and he'll have no shortage of suitors. In just his third full NHL season, the 30-year-old posted eye-popping numbers: 22 goals and 48 assists for 70 points in 73 games. That's elite production for a defenseman, especially one who went undrafted and spent five seasons grinding in the Lightning organization before blossoming into a star capable of quarterbacking a top power-play unit and driving offense from the blue line.

For a Bruins team that needs depth and creativity on defense, Raddysh could be the perfect fit—if they're willing to open the checkbook.