Boston Bruins: Could the Winnipeg Jets be a willing trade partner?

WINNIPEG, MB - MARCH 14: David Backes #42 of the Boston Bruins and Dmitry Kulikov #5 of the Winnipeg Jets watch as goaltender Connor Hellebuyck #37 makes a first period save at the Bell MTS Place on March 14, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Bruins 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - MARCH 14: David Backes #42 of the Boston Bruins and Dmitry Kulikov #5 of the Winnipeg Jets watch as goaltender Connor Hellebuyck #37 makes a first period save at the Bell MTS Place on March 14, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Bruins 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
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torey krug bruins
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 3: Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on October 3, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)

Torey Krug could be available

One player who may be of particular interest to Winnipeg is Torey Krug. Krug is on the last year of his current contract and will be a UFA this summer.

Boston obviously prefers to sign Krug to an extension. But, if Krug’s contract demands prove to be too high, don’t the Bruins have to consider a trade? They can’t afford to lose Krug this offseason for nothing.

Krug is exactly the kind of player Winnipeg covets. He can step right into the lineup and help lead the defense. He can take pressure off Morrissey and soften the blow of Byfuglien’s loss on the power play.

More importantly, Krug can provide leadership to a young Jets team. Winnipeg has a ton of talent with the likes of Morrissey, Connor, and Laine. The Jets lack a ton of experience, and this reared its ugly head in last year’s playoffs.

The Jets need an injection of playoff experience and character. They need somebody who’s played and excelled in big games. And, of course, they need some help on defense. Doesn’t this sound like Krug?

Again, the Bruins want to resign Krug. GM Don Sweeney said as much before the season started. However, if Winnipeg inquires, the Bruins have to listen.