Boston Bruins should try and trade Halak before the Trade Deadline
The Boston Bruins have been struggling of late. There are plenty of things you can point to as a reason for this current slide, but goaltending isn’t one of those things. Tuukka Rask (when he has been healthy), Jaroslav Halak, and Daniel Vladar have all been solid between the pipes for the Bruins when they have been called upon. Unfortunately, they haven’t gotten much help offensively or defensively.
Tuukka Rask’s injury is certainly concerning and could affect the Boston Bruins trade deadline plans – especially when it comes to moving Jaroslav Halak. If Rask can return in the near future though, management should use their depth between the pipes to try and gain some assets.
The biggest reason that this move could be possible is the emergence of Daniel Vladar as a more than competent NHL backup. Vladar is certainly making the most of his opportunity with the Boston Bruins, holding a 2.03 GAA and .929 SV% after his first 3 starts.
Daniel Vladar and Jeremy Swayman on deck for the Boston Bruins future between the pipes should be an exciting proposition for fans. The emergence of these young players shows that Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak may not be in this team’s long-term plans – especially when it comes to Halak.
The Boston Bruins are still absolutely in the playoff mix, but moving Jaroslav Halak would seem to have close to no effect on the competitiveness of this squad. If Don Sweeney is looking towards the future, listening to calls on Halak would be a smart call.
At 35 years old, Jaroslav Halak is a more than capable backup who could bring that veteran and playoff experience to any playoff contender (which would probably be the type of team hoping to acquire Halak).
One area that seems to be a huge need for many teams looking to make a playoff run is goaltending. Goaltending is always a tough position to solidify for any team, but this condensed 2021 season has truly shown what teams lack that depth between the pipes.
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Management could use this hot goalie market to their advantage and try and get some serious value for a veteran backup whose departure would have close to no effect on the Boston Bruins.