As the NHL trade deadline inches closer to 3 p.m. Monday afternoon, Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney can cross one of his main targets off his wish list.
Wednesday night, the New Jersey Devils sent Kyle Palmieri and veteran center Travis Zajac to the New York Islanders for two prospects, the Islanders 2021 first-round pick and a conditional pick in the fourth round in 2022.
The Bruins had widely been interested in Palmieri for some time, but the Islanders beat them to veteran middle-six right wing. It’s safe to say that the Islanders, who are tied for first place with the Washington Capitals in the East Division, are going all-in, in this shortened 56-game season.
Bruins need to look elsewhere.
As for the Bruins, it’s time to look elsewhere and where that is will be anyone’s guess. Saturday night, Bruins Executive Director of Player Personnel John Ferguson was in attendance at Staples Center in Los Angeles for the Sharks/Kings game.
Wednesday night, the Bruins had a scout at back at Staples Center for the Kings game again, this time against the Arizona Coyotes. The Kings are fading for the West Division playoff picture like the Devils in East, so it’s more than likely a Kings’ player or two is who the Black and Gold are interested in.
Interesting to see a Bruins pro scout on the list in LA for ARI-LAK after Exec Dir of Player Personnel John Ferguson was in attendance here Saturday night.
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) April 8, 2021
Could the Bruins be checking in Coyotes defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson? He has been someone that has been on Sweeney’s radar, but it comes with a hefty salary.
Palmieri would have been a good get by Sweeney who was “interested” in him, especially after the Isles got the Devils to retain 50-percent of his expiring salary.
Now Sweeney’s attention needs to shift elsewhere. With a five-point lead for the final playoff spot in the East Division and multiple needs, it’s going to be an interesting four days up until 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon.