There’s no doubting that the Boston Bruins need to make a move at the deadline. It’s been the talk of the town for weeks now. Winger and defenseman are seen as the two biggest needs for the team, but how about goaltender?
It’s been discussed the possibility of trading away a goaltender, but trading FOR a goaltender? That’s something new. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, acquiring goaltending isn’t out of the question for the Bruins. He dove into the rumors in his latest trade deadline article.
"” [Elvis] Merzlikins, who turns 27 on April 13, has one-year left on his contract after this season and comes with a $4 million cap hit. Teams like Chicago, Boston and Buffalo have poked around before and I wonder if any of those clubs have renewed talks with the Jackets.” And no, Boston wasn’t a typo. There is some talk out of the Bruins organization that Tuukka Rask is playing in his final NHL season, and that could result in a move at some point. Darcy Kuemper is also on Boston’s radar.”"
Is there some sense to it? Yeah, both Rask and Jaroslav Halak are free agents this offseason, and the Bruins have plenty of other contracts that they will need to shell out.
If the Bruins truly don’t think Rask will be in a Boston uniform in the fall of 2021, then they will need to find a replacement. But can’t say the trade deadline, with two worthy goalies already on the roster, would be my first choice to go tender shopping.