The National Hockey League's waiver wire saw significant activity on December 15, with several players becoming available to other teams. Among the most notable names placed on waivers was Jonatan Berggren, a 25-year-old forward for the Detroit Red Wings. This development has immediately sparked interest across the league, particularly for clubs like the Boston Bruins who are actively seeking to bolster their offensive depth without sacrificing future assets.
Who is Jonatan Berggren and Why is He Available?
Jonatan Berggren arrived in the NHL as a promising prospect with considerable offensive upside. His most productive season came in 2022-23, where he tallied 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) in 67 games for the Red Wings, showcasing his puck-handling skills, hockey IQ, and finishing ability. However, his journey has been marked by inconsistent usage in Detroit's lineup. This season, Berggren has managed 2 goals and 4 assists in 15 games, numbers that reflect limited and fluctuating ice time rather than a lack of talent. Over his 169-game NHL career, he has accumulated 64 points, a respectable output for a player often deployed in a depth role.
A Perfect Fit for Boston's Needs?
The Boston Bruins' situation makes Berggren a compelling waiver wire target. The team has ongoing concerns about its secondary scoring and winger depth as the grueling season progresses. Acquiring a player via waivers requires no trade of draft picks or prospects, making it a low-risk, potentially high-reward maneuver. Berggren, at just 25, fits the profile of a player who could thrive with a more consistent opportunity. His proven ability to contribute offensively, even in a limited role—he scored 12 goals last season—suggests he could provide the scoring punch Boston's middle-six forward group needs.
What a Claim Would Signal for the Bruins
Choosing to claim Jonatan Berggren would be a proactive move by the Bruins' management. It would demonstrate a commitment to addressing roster weaknesses in real-time during a competitive stretch of the schedule. While not a blockbuster acquisition, it represents the kind of savvy, asset-smart move that can improve a team's depth chart. The decision window is short, forcing Boston to quickly evaluate whether Berggren's skill set is a better solution than internal options or other potential moves.
The waiver claim process now puts the ball in the court of General Manager Don Sweeney and the Bruins' front office. With Berggren's combination of youth, prior NHL production, and cost-effective acquisition, he stands out as one of the more intriguing options on the December 15 waiver list. The league will be watching to see if Boston acts to secure the forward or if another team seizes the opportunity.
