Gabriel Landeskog – Left Wing – 24 Years Old – $5.571 Million Cap Hit
The Boston Bruins have been linked to Gabriel Landeskog for months. It was mentioned that Landeskog could be a fit for the Bruins in early January. The thought made sense but wasn’t based on any actual discussions. Coincidentally, the Bruins became linked to Landeskog very soon afterward, and where there was smoke, there was seemingly fire
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It’s no secret that Landeskog is a very good hockey player. A former second-overall draft pick, Landeskog has shown that he can do just about everything at the NHL level. His play on the ice is reflective of what the Bruins typically look for – big, gritty forwards who can play well with the puck, as well as without the puck. 200-foot players are always wanted in Boston, and Landeskog has shown that he can be exactly that while also showing he isn’t one to back down from the physical aspect of the game.
A Natural-Born Leader
Off the ice, Landeskog has always shown he can take on a leadership role. Once the youngest captain in NHL history, Landeskog was given the “C” in Colorado at just 19 years and 286 days old. Connor McDavid eventually became the youngest player in history, but Landeskog has always been mature beyond his years.
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At just 24 years old, Landeskog is still a very young player. He’s also signed to a very reasonable cap hit for what he can provide a team, which happens to be legitimate top-six left wing minute. Adding Landeskog to the mix alongside David Krejci and David Pastrnak could be exactly what the Bruins need. While Peter Cehlarik has gelled well with the Czech duo early in his career, Landeskog fits the mold for what the Bruins typically like alongside Krejci – a scoring winger with size who can play accountable hockey.
The Cost is a Sticking Point
With Landeskog seeming like such a perfect fit for the Bruins, there’s a very good reason why rumors revolving around him have cooled as of late. With the cost for Landeskog starting with Brandon Carlo, the Bruins have (rightfully) balked so far in discussions with Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic. Carlo has shown that he’s a true top-four defenseman in the NHL at just 20 years old, and though he still has room to improve, the Bruins would be wise to keep him on their roster after seeing how difficult it is to make the playoffs without a solid defensive group.