1. Trade Both Picks For A Top-Pairing Defenseman
There are many teams dealing with very valuable defensemen who could become available this off-season. The news has been rampant around Minnesota, Anaheim, Winnipeg, and St. Louis specifically when dealing with young defensemen who may price themselves out of their respective clubs.
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Minnesota will have to make a decision on Matthew Dumba. While the young, talented defenseman could be traded, an extension for him might force the Wild to trade away another one of their defenders such as Jonas Brodin; both would be solid additions for the Bruins. With veteran contracts such as Jason Pominville, Zach Parise, Thomas Vanek, Mikko Koivu, and Ryan Suter eating cap space for the Wild, the Bruins could step in.
The Anaheim Ducks have two pending-restricted free agent defenders up for contracts this year in Sami Vatanen and Hampus Lindholm. With $14,950,000 locked up on defense to players such as Kevin Bieksa, Cam Fowler, Clayton Stoner, and Simon Despres next season, it’s likely the Ducks will be looking to make moves on defense. The Ducks could look to move one of Vatanen or Lindholm, but they could also look at moving Cam Fowler.
The Winnipeg Jets have one of highest-potential young defenders in the entire NHL in Jacob Trouba. At 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds, the right-handed 22 year old could command a big sum this offseason that the Jets simply won’t be able to pay. The Dustin Byfuglien-to-Boston rumors died last season when the Jets locked up their veteran defenseman to a long-term extension, but by doing so, they may have also pushed out their new-blood in Trouba.
Next: Comparing Milan Lucic and Loui Eriksson
Finally, the Bruins could make a move to acquire Kevin Shattenkirk from the St. Louis Blues. The most experienced of the players mentioned, Shattenkirk could immediately step into the Bruins top-pairing and create an impact. There were rumors around the trade deadline that revolved around Shattenkirk and Loui Eriksson, but that deal ultimately never materialized. The Blues will be dealing with salary cap issues sooner rather than later, and with rookie-Colton Parayko breaking out this season, Shattenkirk could find himself wearing different colors next season.