​IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe NHL offseason has slowly been churning out news, but as we approach the end of an August weekend, it seems as if league executives are enjoying their time off. In Boston Bruins news, the front office is confident that a soon-to-be 23-year-old defenseman is ready to take the next step. Don Sweeney has brought him up a few times during media availability this summer, and new P-Bruins head coach Trent Whitfield gave the defenseman a ringing endorsement during his introductory press conference. We’re at Matt Poitras (51) days until opening night. Elsewhere around the league, Adam Fantilli is looking for a big price tag, but the Blue Jackets are holding firm in their negotiations. The Red Wings are continuing their search for a new GM, with interviews reportedly starting next week. There are more storylines in Colorado, as well as a reaction to the offseason grades. Some answers to an armchair GM and a new Maple Leaf round out today’s Daily.Happy Sunday, catch up on Bruins and league news in today’s Daily Bean:Boston BruinsBRUNET: Bruins management sounds confident. Frederic Brunet has been developing in Providence, but Don Sweeney brought him up a few times this summer, including once unprovoked. The P-Bruins defenseman has developed well, improving on his point totals over his three pro seasons, and the front office wants to see him take the next step.NHL.com: Tonight at 7:00 PM ET, the NHL Network releases its list of the top 20 defensemen. Charlie McAvoy finished 11th on the list last season, but it’s hard to see him finishing behind Evan Bouchard tonight. There are a few questions to answer beforehand, including which defenseman will top the list in five years. NHL News & National Hockey NowNHLTradeRumors.me: There’s still news to drop this summer, including Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli. The 21-year-old has yet to sign an extension, and he has watched both Connor Bedard (5x$15M) and Leo Carlsson (5x$18M) sign new deals. Elliotte Friedman said those deals have presented a challenge and added that the Blue Jackets are “probably in about the $12M or $12.5M range.”The Blue Jackets have $13,495,001 in cap space. Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings have been slow-playing their hand, but now they’re upping the ante in their efforts to hire a new director of hockey ops. Elliotte Friedman reported that the interview process will start next week, and the new hire will have full autonomy in decision-making.NHL Media (video via 𝕏): Here are Elliotte Friedman’s comments on the Red Wings’ GM situation.There’s a new era in @DetroitRedWings hockey that’s beginning to take shape!@FriedgeHNIC joined #NHLTonight to discuss the latest in the Red Wings search for a new general manager.📺: NHL Tonight on NHL Network pic.twitter.com/GpsgU85AfC— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) August 8, 2026Colorado Hockey Now: Will Artturi Lehkonen sign an extension before the season begins? Aarif Deen has been doing a