Khudobin puts value to test

The Bruins and backup goalie Anton Khudobin may circle back to each other by July 1, but both sides agreed to take advantage of the current open interview period to see what’s available, according to a source.

While that may not mean it’s definitely the end for Khudobin here, it’s certainly not promising given the fact both sides expressed a desire to keep the relationship going after Khudobin enjoyed a very solid year as Tuukka Rask’s backup. The unrestricted free agent was instrumental in getting the B’s through a rough patch when Rask was finding his game, Khudobin finished with a 15-6-1 record, .913 save percentage and 2.58 goals against.

However, the sides have not found common ground on the goalie’s value. The market for an established backup could be between $2.25 million and $3.25 million, which would be a nice raise for Khudobin, who made $1.2 million, even if he does land in the low end of that spectrum.

So where do the Bruins go, if they move away from Khudobin?

The Athletic reported the B’s are one of several teams in touch with 32-year-old Carter Hutton, the former UMass-Lowell netminder who had an excellent year with the St. Louis Blues (17-7-3, 2.09 GA, .931 SP), though it would be hard to imagine paying Hutton any less than Khudobin.

The B’s could also be in on 29-year-old Jonathan Bernier, at one time believed to be the Maple Leafs’ savior who played on a one-year deal with Colorado last year worth $2.75 million. He posted an 18-132 record with a 2.87 GA and .912 SP.

The B’s might land a short-term deal with 26-year-old Robin Lehner, who was not qualified by the Buffalo Sabres and could look to improve his numbers with a better team. And he might be able to push Rask a bit.

There’s also longtime Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward, 34, who posted a good record with a nonplayoff team at 22-14-2 with a .905 save percentage.

Whatever the case, the Bruins-Khudobin marriage today seems a lot less likely to survive than it did even a few days ago.

Kids week on ice

Chances are very good that those participating in the Bruins’ Development Camp that opens today will not be in the B’s opening night lineup in Washington on Oct. 3.

Players, though, do tend to pop out. It was obvious from the first time he stopped on the ice in 2014 that David Pastrnak had something special to him. And last year, Ryan Donato stood out so much that it seemed plausible he might be in a Bruins uniform before the season was done, and he was.

All five of the Bruins’ picks in the draft will be in attendance, as will Martin Bakos, the 28-year-old Slovakian forward whom the B’s signed recently to a two-way contract. Bakos has perhaps the best chance to make an impact on this year’s varsity roster.

Center Jack Studnicka, the 2017 second-round pick on whom the club is very high, will make a return appearance, as will goalie Daniel Vladar, who should get some good playing time in Providence next season.

Locally, defenseman Nick Albano of Beverly and UMass-Boston is one of 11 invitees.

First session starts at 11 a.m. All on-ice sessions are open to the public.