Boston Bruins: Bruins and Panthers Discussing Trade for Kulikov

With the NHL Entry Draft fast approaching, trade-talks between teams are starting to heat up and over the next week, be prepared for a lot of rumors, fake rumors, and activity. For the Boston Bruins, it seems as though the activity has already gotten going.

After missing out on Jimmy Vesey and Keith Yandle yesterday, the Bruins really need to get into the thick of the trade rumors. Vesey is a great left winger with loads of potential who went to college right down the street from TD Garden and would’ve fit perfectly into the system; Yandle is a top-tier defenseman who was born in Milton, Ma. Both hometown players would’ve fit well into the Bruins’ system.

As bad as it is that the Bruins missed out on both players, there is a benefit from missing out on Yandle.

Yandle went to the Panthers, which in-turn made up-and-coming defenseman Dmitry Kulikov expendable. According to CSNNE’s Joe Haggerty, the B’s were in talks with the Panthers regarding the 25-year-old defenseman, but it was only “kicking tires”. That was reported on June 17.

Recently, things have started to heat up.

If the Bruins could get Kulikov, he would be an immediate upgrade to the back-end. Even though he only gathered up 17 points (1G 16 A) last year, his plus/minus was a career-best at a +8. He’s becoming much better in his own zone while maintaining a strong offensive presence as well.

He wouldn’t solve all of the problems on defense. But with some additional support around him, he’d be a great number-2 defenseman. He could fit well alongside a guy like Jacob Trouba (if the Bruins traded for him).

To get Kulikov, the Panthers would probably want more than just the 29th pick. Frank Vatrano could be another guy thrown into the mix, as well as another prospect or draft pick.

As the Draft approaches, we will keep you updated on all of the moves that the Bruins hopefully make.