Boston Bruins: Does Don Sweeney have anything up his sleeve?
The Boston Bruins waived David Backes on Friday. Could this mean an acquisition is on the horizon?
The Boston Bruins come off a rather busy week of roster movements. While some were the result of injuries, others were more performance-based.
The most significant moves involved Brett Ritchie and David Backes. The Bruins placed Ritchie on waivers early this week and then did the same with Backes on Friday.
The Ritchie move wasn’t surprising given his play this year. With only six points in 27 games, he didn’t produce enough offense for a lineup spot. On top of that, even with his size, Ritchie failed to make a physical impact on games.
Boston recalled Karson Kuhlman to take Ritchie’s spot, and he made an immediate impact with two assists Thursday against the Penguins. He looks like a better fit than Ritchie moving forward.
The Backes decision came off as more of a surprise, but this really was Boston’s only option. In 16 games this year, Backes only had three points and averaged a little over eight minutes per night. He struggles to keep up with the pace of the modern-day game, and with his concussion history, he can’t be the physical presence he once was.
Given Backes’ $6 million cap hit that goes through next season, a trade was always unlikely. Boston therefore had to waive him for some cap relief in advance of the trade deadline. Once he clears waivers, Boston saves $1 million on the cap.
Should we read into the fact that Boston waived Ritchie and Backes this week? Could all this mean a trade is on the horizon?
While no deal looks close, it’s clear that GM Don Sweeney has the wheels in motion for acquisitions at the trade deadline. It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when.
The most obvious move is for a top-six winger. We learned a week ago that the Bruins could have a deal lined up with the Kings for Tyler Toffoli. Toffoli’s a decent piece who can slide into that open right wing spot.
Another option is Chris Kreider, who the Rangers could make the number-one forward available on the trade market. Kreider has more upside than Toffoli, but he’s a left wing who will cost more in any trade.
Toffoli and Kreider are only two names on the market, but there are others. Maybe Sweeney tries to replicate the Charlie Coyle move last season and bring in Kyle Palmeiri from the Devils. Like Coyle was last year, Palmeiri is a more outside-the-box option who is signed through next season.
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Either way, the Sweeney certainly needs to add to Boston’s roster in advance of the trade deadline. The Ritchie and Backes moves are only a start, but they pave the way for someone new. This team is a clear contender, but with an impact forward, the Bruins could turn into the favorite.