Bruins F Horton to test free agency
Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton told the team he plans to become an unrestricted free agent, according to ESPN The Magazine.
"It wasn't about numbers or money," Horton's agent Paul Krepelka said.
He added that Horton wants a chance to make a fresh start.
Free agency opens next Friday.
Horton had just 22 points in 43 games before stepping it up in the playoffs. He had seven goals, 12 assists and a plus-20 in 22 postseason contests.
"Nathan has done very well for us, especially in the playoffs," Bruins president Cam Neely said. "He's scored some big-time goals and has made a huge impact. We like the way that line plays and we certainly would like to have Nathan back, but this is a challenging year coming up with the cap dropping as much as it does."
Horton could command the similar $4 million per season he made on his last contract, which was for six years.
Even though Horton wants to test the free agent waters, he is open to returning to Boston.
"With him being unrestricted, certainly you want to have those conversations fairly quick and see where they're at and where we're at and need to be at, especially for next season," Neely said. "That's certainly pressing, but everything's pressing right now."
The team may trade Horton's negotiating rights instead of letting him go without compensation.
