Five Players Bruins Should Target Ahead Of Deadline Day
By Erin Walsh
The Boston Bruins have plenty of options at the trade deadline. But, what should they do?
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has stated he is looking to add some offensive talent to his lineup. With the trade deadline approaching quickly, the B’s are ready to go all in.
Which players would have the best impact on the Boston lineup?
5. Wayne Simmonds
Wayne Simmonds has been a name that has come up in Bruins trade talks over the past two or three seasons. Although Simmonds is a great player, Boston should pass on this aging winger.
The 30-year-old has been on the decline since the 2015-16 season where he tallied 60 points. During the 2016-17 season, Simmonds tallied 54 points and in 2017-18 he tallied 46 points.
Through 59 games this season, Simmonds has tallied 27 points. So clearly he is on the decline.
The price tag on Simmonds may not be as high as some other players on the trade block, but the Bruins shouldn’t bite just because of that.
Despite being on the decline, if there are no other trades the Bruins can make, Simmonds may be their best option. If better players are available, they should seek out those players before making a move on the Wayne-train.
4. Brayden Schenn
Brayden Schenn was on the Bruins radar for a while but with the St. Louis Blues doing better, he could be off the table. Nonetheless, the Bruins should explore making a trade for the centerman.
Through 54 games with the Blues this season, Schenn has recorded 39 points. His point total on the season is good but it could be better if St. Louis didn’t struggle so much during the beginning of the season.
Schenn will have a pretty decent price tag on him considering the Blues have managed to save themselves from spiraling. A package for Schenn would probably include Danton Heinen, Ryan Donato, and a first or second round pick.
The 27-year-old had a career year last season in St. Louis, tallying 70 points (28 goals, 42 assists) through 82 games. Schenn is a highly skilled player that the Bruins should absolutely look into.
3. Ryan Dzingel
Ryan Dzingel is having a career year with the Ottawa Senators breaking his point total from last season with 44 points (22 goals, 22 assists) through 57 games.
It’s been reported that Dzingel is on Boston’s radar and he may make a great fit with the Bruins. He has increased his point total every year since breaking onto the scene in 2015-16.
The 26-year-old will only keep improving, especially on a line with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. Not only is he a playmaker but a goalscorer.
Dzingel’s price tag may be lower than some but he will still be a decent price. He may be one of the Bruins best options heading into deadline day.
2. Artemi Panarin
Artemi Panarin is probably the biggest name on the trade market. The versatile winger has 67 points (23 goals, 43 assists) through 56 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets this season.
Since breaking into the league with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2015-16 season, Panarin has tallied 74+ points every season he’s played and is on pace for another 70+ point season.
The 27-year-old would add a huge offensive jolt to Boston’s lineup. The winger would play alongside DeBrusk and Krejci.
If the Bruins made this trade, they would arguably have the best top-six group in the NHL. With that comes the price though, Panarin will cost Boston an arm and a leg.
Is it worth it? Of course it is, Panarin is such a dynamic player and you don’t see a player like him come around often.
If he agrees to re-sign with the Bruins, Sweeney should be all in on Panarin.
1. Mark Stone
Mark Stone should be the Bruins No. 1 priority during this seasons trade deadline frenzy. Stone is yet another dynamic player and probably the best one on the market after Panarin and Matt Duchene.
Stone has already matched his point totals from last season and has managed to score 28 goals this season — a new career high.
The 26-year-old is a perfect fit for Boston, he is exactly what they’re looking for. A right winger who can score is exactly what Boston needs.
Stone’s price tag is going to be pretty high. Ottawa will want a roster player, prospects, and a draft pick in order to acquire Stone.
Many fans want to see Stone come to Boston and quite frankly, Sweeney should be focusing on adding the winger. Stone isn’t flashy by any means, and he isn’t a player you automatically think of when thinking of elite players in this league but he truly has become an elite goal scorer.
What do you think the Bruins should do?