Is Andrew MacDonald a Possible Trade Option for the Boston Bruins?
By Duncan Day
Jan 12, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald (47) waits for play to begin against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Islanders defeated the Stars 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Could New York Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald hit the road to Boston?
Over the past month or so, there has been a great deal of chatter concerning the Boston Bruins‘ depth at the blue line and the trade deadline coming around the corner on March 5. You’ve probably heard this hundred times: the Bruins are young and inexperienced on defense without Dennis Seidenberg.
It’s true. The B’s have a relatively inconsistent group of defenders. Last night’s overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres was a testament to that problem, and age or lack of experience could be a factor in their performances.
So, for the Bruins, it would be wise to add a veteran D-man who really knows his way around the ice. In other words, they could use a utility defenseman that would bring a seasoned persona into the playoffs.
Many think that MacDonald has surfaced as a viable option for the Bruins.
However, given some of the noticeable factors regarding MacDonald’s value, it doesn’t appear that the 27-year-old will be able to make his home in Beantown.
According to CSNNE’s Joe Haggerty, the Bruins have some interest in MacDonald’s expertise. The issue here, though, revolves around the fact that the Islanders want a first-round pick for the Canadian.
The Bruins won’t trade a first-round pick or any of their young defensemen (rookie Matt Bartkowski, Zach Trotman, or Ryan Spooner) for a player like MacDonald based on reports from a source close to CSNNE.
Mark Stuart would be a better fit for the Bruins because he plays to their tough, physical skating style and has actually been on the Bruins roster as a starter for several years.
Despite his solid frame, MacDonald won’t throw his body around as much as Seidenberg or Stuart. Granted, his 2013-14 regular season has been great, leading the Islanders’ defensemen in points (24).
Obviously, Peter Chiarelli is looking to add defensive depth at a low cost and in congruity with the Bruins’ gritty toughness.
I will be curious to see how the Bruins’ trading operations evolve over the next week or so.