Boston Bruins absurd trade analyzer: Johnny Gaudreau
The Boston Bruins have a couple of burning needs if they want to make a run for the Stanley Cup this season. The left side of the defence could use a contributing piece after having yet to recover from the losses of Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara. One position that has been an issue for many years now though is the wing and more importantly a contributing second-line winger.
There are several options potentially available on the block that the Bruins could pursue via trade. If Don Sweeney truly wanted to swing big and solidify Krejci’s wing though, why not make a call to Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving?
The Flames have a great team on paper and have contributing pieces from every position. This team just can’t seem to get it done though and have been marinating in mediocrity the past few seasons. This year is no different, even after acquiring stud goalie Jacob Markstrom and increased forward and defensive depth – Calgary is on the outside looking in from the North Division playoff race. Just firing head coach Geoff Ward a few days ago – this team looks to be going nowhere fast.
One name that has always swirled in trade rumours whenever the Flames are struggling is Johnny Gaudreau. There is no apparent reason for these, but for some reason, Gaudreau’s name is the one brought up when fans and media are predicting a major shakeup.
Much like the past ‘absurd trade’ article with Jack Eichel, Johnny Hockey’s fit with the Boston Bruins almost seems to perfect not with just the positional need buts also his experience playing for Boston College in his early years.
If the Calgary Flames truly decide to shake things up and consider moving one of their franchise cornerstones and fan favourites – what would GM Don Sweeney and the Bruins have to pay up?
Boston Bruins – Buffalo Sabres megadeal.
The Calgary Flames are far from a rebuilding team and just seem to need a shakeup and a few added pieces in order to be a contending team.
In this scenario, the Flames swap second-line left-wingers with the Boston Bruins and get a young breakout player in Nick Ritchie who could immediately slide into the slot on Sean Monahan’s left side. Ritchie only has 7 points less than Johnny Gaudreau up to this point and could bring some immediate size and secondary scoring.
Connor Clifton is a great young and tough defenceman who could immediately slide into a bottom pairing role for Calgary and is under contract until 2023 at a $1 million AAV.
Don Sweeney would have to say goodbye to his beloved draft capital, but you didn’t have to give up any prospects so it’s not all bad Donnie!
For the Bruins, Gaudreau sliding into the left slide of David Krejci would have to be a salivating thought for fans. Johnny Hockey would be an immediate impact guy for Boston’s lackluster secondary scoring and at age 27 could be a long-term piece in the Bruins’ growing young core.
How could the Boston Bruins fit Johnny Gaudreau under the cap?
Johnny Gaudreau’s contract is an absolute steal at an AAV of $6.75 million for this season and next.
Right now the Boston Bruins have just over $5.3 million in cap space and with contracts probably on the way out with any Gaudreau deal – it won’t be a tough task (if any) to squeeze Johnny Hockey under the cap.
With some big contracts coming off the books this offseason, the Bruins would be wise to immediately extend the young Boston College product.
Where would Johnny Gaudreau fit in the Boston Bruins lineup?
With Nick Ritchie heading out the door and Johnny Gaudreau used to playing on the second line – it’s a no brainer to put him next to David Krejci and keep the Perfection Line intact.
Boston Bruins forward lines with Johnny Gaudreau.
Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak
Gaudreau – Krejci – DeBrusk
Frederic – Coyle – Smith
Bjork – Studnicka – Wagner
This is a really solid forward group here.
How realistic is a Johnny Gaudreau to the Boston Bruins trade?
Even with the Calgary Flames current struggles – it is tough to see them trading one of their cornerstones and apple to many Flames fans eyes.
If the struggles continue and Flames GM Brad Treliving decides enough is enough though, he could be willing to move a big name in order to acquire multiple pieces to fill their current weaknesses and acquire assets.
Imagining that was to happen, you know Johnny Gaudreau would be the first name brought up in the rumour mill.
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Don Sweeney and the Boston Bruins should be one of the first callers in that scenario and attempt to trade for the skilled winger who would finally solve their long lost second-line wing stalwart. As much as he is beloved in Calgary, he is equally loved in Boston for his time playing in college and would immediately return a fan favourite in Beantown.