Bruins' Matt Bartkowski will test free-agent market

Matt Bartkowski appears to be getting out of Dodge.

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney confirmed on a conference call Tuesday that the defenseman is free to test the free-agent market after failing to come to an agreement on an extension.

Bartkowski saw his role reduced last season, serving as a healthy scratch on 32 occasions. He finished with four assists, 37 penalty minutes, and a minus-6 rating.

Elsewhere, he will likely have to prove his worth on a short-term agreement after taking a step back in his progression.