Bruins make a flurry of moves including acquiring Taylor Hall

As the trade deadline approached, the Boston Bruins were expected to be one of hockey’s busiest teams. Late Sunday night, the Bruins fulfilled expectations less than 24 hours before the deadline. Boston acquired Mike Reilly from Ottawa and less than an hour later acquired Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar from Buffalo. The moves improved the Bruins’ depth while Sweeney was able to avoid dealing a first-round pick or any top prospects.

In exchange for Hall and Lazar, the Bruins sent Anders Bjork and a 2021 second-round pick to Buffalo. The Bruins drafted Bjork in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. Bjork made his NHL debut in 2017 and appeared in 138 regular-season games and ten playoff games for Boston. Bjork will be looking for a fresh start in Buffalo as he has been a healthy scratch in five straight games.

Although Hall has struggled this year, he is an offensive upgrade for Boston. Hall is a former No. 1 overall pick and a Hart Trophy winner. In 37 games this year, Hall has 19 points, but his numbers should improve with his Boston. The Bruins were also able to get Hall for a discount as the Sabres will retain half of his salary.

Joining Hall is Curtis Lazar, who has nine points in 33 games this season. The Bruins get some much-needed depth in Lazar, who is under contract through next season with an $ 800,000 cap hit. He can play both center and wing and should see some time on the PK.

The Bruins’ final deal of the day brought in Mike Reilly from Ottawa for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL draft. Reilly’s addition is much needed as the Bruins blueline has been decimated by injuries. The veteran defenseman has not scored a goal this season but has recorded a career-high 19 assists. He also gives Boston a more experienced option on the left side.

With these moves, Boston gets their top six-forward and a left-shot defenseman. Hall also adds speed upfront and can generate scoring chances off the rush. Both these moves are low risk with a potentially high reward.

With the postseason only weeks away the Bruins got some much-needed reinforcements as they look to make a deep playoff run.