Every year as the National Hockey League’s trade deadline gets closer, the Boston Bruins are usually linked to several of the names that could potentially be available. Just like every season, the Bruins are usually looking to solve the same issue they have been having.
This season, aside from the top line, the Bruins have struggled with their secondary scoring. The production from guys like Craig Smith, Jake DeBrusk, and Charlie Coyle is not what was expected. The same could be said for David Krejci. This season, if the B’s are going to get into the East Division playoffs and finish in the top-four, an addition to middle-six forwards is almost necessary.
While the Bruins have been linked to many players, one name has recently emerged as a trade target for the Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney.
According to Elliotte Friedman in his recent 31 Thoughts, he says that the New Jersey Devils have begun to talk to forward Kyle Palmieri about an extension. If the sides can’t agree to a deal, the Devils will look to trade the veteran forward, with the Boston Bruins being one of the suitors for his services.
This season, the 30-year-old right wing has four goals and eight assists for the struggling Devils, but he could be the answer the Bruins are looking for to solidify their second line and secondary scoring issue with a change of scenery.
What would it take to get Palmieri? Over the offseason, New Jersey was looking to a pair of first-round picks, but now they might be willing to take one and possibly a prospect. Palmieri is in the final year of a five-year, $23.25 million deal. He carries a $4.25 million cap hit this season, so there would need to be some roster adjustments made to make the deal work. Sweeney has never been shy to deal the team’s first-round pick.
The Bruins would be in the mix with the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs for Palmieri’s services, according to Friedman. It will be interesting to see what the Devils would want in return and if Sweeney would meet it to land Palmieri.