Boston Bruins: Why the Bruins Should Trade for Thomas Vanek

With the trade deadline just over two weeks away, it’s time to reach into the rumour mill and see what is turning. Look no further than Vancouver Canucks forward, Thomas Vanek.

The Austrian winger is having a renaissance season on the Pacific West Coast, notching 37 points in 53 game so far. What makes this feat more impressive is how poor the Canucks have been, a side seeking to win the Rasmus Dahlin sweepstakes this summer. Of those 37 points, Vanek has 15 goals and 22 assists, meaning he’s had some depth to his game this year, there’s still some hunger to win there.

The Boston Bruins shouldn’t have a long shopping list this February, that being said, there’s no harm to add a little sugar. Even though the New York Rangers are clear business partners, especially after last night, Vanek has been attracting some attention from cup contenders and the Bruins could be a potential suitor.

This is not suggesting for a second that the Bruins urgently need a trade, or lack any sort of depth within the organisation. A little more veteran experience could help down the stretch. Now, if they don’t make a single move this deadline, they’ll still be considered one of the cup favourites, I have no doubt about that.

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Vanek is exceptional in front of the net, a complete nuisance, always getting open for a quick snap shot or a deflection. A two-time 40 goal scorer. With the strength of Boston’s blue-line Vanek could certainly compliment their production. Doesn’t always score the prettiest goals, but is more than happy to collect the garbage in front of the net. Come playoff time, these sort of plays make the difference.

The Price

I expect that the Canucks would be satisfied with a second-round draft pick. They might demand a prospect of some sort. The key for the Bruins here is not giving up anyone considered vital to the franchise’s future success. I’m convinced they’ll make a run this year but what is all the more exciting is the fact that, organisationally, they can continue to compete. There’s elite talent up and down the lineup from veterans to rookies.

Vanek could slot into the second line on the right wing. I would expect that Spooner would be potentially moved to third-line centre, and Riley Nash dropping down the lineup. His cap-hit and lack of term excites me the most about this potential trade. His hit is only $2,000,000, as opposed to taking on the likes of Rick Nash with a whopping $7,800,000 cap hit.

What are you thoughts Bruins fans? A low-risk potentially high-reward acquisition on the cards. If Vancouver demand a prospect who would you give?