Assessing Which Bruins Are Trade Chips
With four days until the trade deadline in the National Hockey League, several teams are looking to upgrade their roster for the late regular season push for the postseason. One of those teams that should be active in the trade market is the Boston Bruins.
As usual, the Bruins have several needs at the deadline to upgrade their roster. A middle-six forward, preferably a right wing, for secondary scoring could be an addition, as well as a top-four defenseman, preferably a left-shot defenseman.
Recently, even the injury bug has hit the Bruins goaltenders. There are rumors that Sweeney could be surveying the trade market for a goalie. Tuukka Rask is dealing with a back injury and there are a lot of questions surrounding whether or not he returns next season after his contract expires this summer. Jaroslav Halak is currently on the NHL COVID-19 protocols list.
Rookies Dan Vladar and Jeremy Swayman have impressed in their appearances this season in Boston. There is a lot to like so far with their performances.
Wednesday night, Kyle Palmieri was dealt by the New Jersey Devils to the New York Islanders for two prospects, a first-round pick this summer and a fourth-round conditional pick in 2022. Not exactly a great haul in return for New Jersey.
That trade has kicked off the trade deadline and set the market for the other teams. With that said, what would it take for Bruins general manager Don Sweeney to make a trade and upgrade his current roster? Let’s take a look at who could be used as trade pieces.
Which forwards are available from the Bruins?
Let’s start with the obvious ones. Not going anywhere should be Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, Craig Smith, and David Krejci. Anyone else should be in play.
If the Black and Gold are serious about trying to make a postseason run, keeping Krejci is the play to make. There’s a good chance that he walks after the season when his contract expires, but if they are going to make one more run with their core group, then they should keep Krejci. Second-line centers are not available on the market.
Jake DeBrusk could be the best trade chip the Bruins have at forward. At 24 years old, there is still plenty upside to the young left wing. Yes, he’s struggled this season with just three goals in 23 games, but a change of scenery could be what he needs. Most teams would be interested in acquiring him.
Charlie Coyle would not draw much interest because of his contract, but would Anders Bjork draw some interest as a young forward with the potential to be a bottom-six forward on a team looking for depth? Trent Frederic has had a decent start in his first full NHL season, but there could always be a conversation to be had.
The Bruins are thin in the prospect pool for forwards. Jack Studnicka, who seems to be a center in waiting for when Bergeron and Krejci are gone, might be the best prospect trade chip. What about Jakub Lauko or Oskar Steen? They could generate some interest.
Which defensemen and goalies could be available.
Again, starting with the obvious, Charlie McAvoy, Matt Grzelcyk, and Brandon Carlo should not be going anywhere. After that, just about everyone else could be in play.
Jeremy Lauzon has played well lately and has shown some upside, while rookie Jakub Zboril started the season well, but his play has been inconsistent lately. Kevan Miller won’t be moved with his injury history as no team would be willing to take him on. Steve Kampfer, Jarred Tinordi, and Connor Clifton? Talk to me.
Urho Vaakanainen is a young prospect that could be used in a deal like Zboril. Boston’s front office seems to value their young blueliners, so prying one from Sweeney might be easier said than done.
As far as goaltending goals, Vladar and Swayman should not be going anywhere. Nothing could pry them from the Bruins. Nothing.
Kyle Keyser and Callum Booth in the minors have been added as goaltedning depth in the minors and they would be available. It’s unlikely either is moved.
Related Story. One Bruins Trade Target Gone. light
Time is ticking for Sweeney. The Bruins are not blessed with many trade chips and dealing a first-round pick for a rental player who can walk at the end of the season seems silly, but we have seen Sweeney send that first-round pick in seasons past. It’s also not out of the question that Sweeney’s stand pat and does nothing.