Are the Bruins After This Kings Forward?

Over the last week, the Boston Bruins have had multiple scouts attending Los Angeles Kings games at the Staples Center.

Last Saturday night, Bruins Executive Director of Player Personnel John Ferguson attended the Kings game against the San Jose Sharks. Wednesday night, the Bruins had a pro scout at the Kings home game against the Arizona Coyotes.

With the Kings falling fast out of the West Division playoff picture, they have some pieces that could be used in trades for contending teams. Veteran Dustin Brown is someone who could be moved, but TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun recently said in his column in The Athletic that the Kings have one player who is going under the trade radar, but could soon become available.

That player is Alex Iafallo, a left wing, who has nine goals and 14 assists for Los Angeles in 37 games this season.

The 27-year-old Iafallo will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but could be added goal-scoring depth for the Bruins. In 264 career games, he has 50 goals and 74 assists for the Kings after having a solid four-year career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Acquiring Iafallo would give the Bruins a left side of Brad Marchand, Nick Ritchie, and Iafallo as their top nine. In making room for Iafallo, moving Jake DeBrusk could be an option for Boston general manager Don Sweeney. Sweeney could also look to unload Anders Bjork, who seems to be in coach Bruce Cassidy’s dog house. He’s been a healthy scratch the last couple of games.

Of course, the preferred acquisition would be a right wing, but some of the Bruins reported trade targets are coming off the availability list. Kyle Palmieri was traded to the New York Islanders Wednesday night and Bobby Ryan of the Detroit Red Wings is reported to be shut down for the season with an injury.

Three days remain until the trade deadline and the rumors are expected to start flying. Buckle up.