Jan 24, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
At the trade deadline in April, the Boston Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney was linked to some players that could be seen as upgrades to their roster for the remainder of the regular season and postseason.
Sweeney addressed a need for a second-line wing for David Krejci when he acquired Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar from the Sabres in exchange for struggling bottom-six forward Anders Bjork and a draft pick. Knowing that there was a need for help on the Bruins blueline, Sweeney added depth to a unit that was depleted with injuries when he got Mike Reilly from the Senators for a draft pick.
With the season over, there are bound to be changes on the Black and Gold roster. Whether it’s retaining their own free agents, signing free agents from other teams, or even in trades, the Bruins roster could have a different look in 2021-22.
If Sweeney and team President Cam Neely are serious on that they would like to make another run at a championship, additions will have to be made. If it’s going to be through trades, here is a trade target the Bruins were linked to back in April that they could swing back around this summer.
May 1, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) skates with the puck during the first period against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
Mattias Ekholm
It is no secret that the Bruins have a need to add a top-four defenseman heading into next season. At the deadline, the Bruins were linked to Nashville Predators blueliner Mattias Ekholm and it is an addition that would fit Boston’s time frame for a championship window.
Ekholm has one year remaining on a six-year, $22.5 million contract that carries a team-friendly $3.75 cap hit for this upcoming season. The 102nd pick in the 2009 Entry Draft is what the Bruins are looking for, a top-four blueliner that can play over 20 minutes a night and is a left-handed shot.
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Ekholm played in 48 games this season for the Predators with six goals and 17 assists. He averaged 22:52 a night with 46 blocked shots. In Nashville’s first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ekholm upped his ice time by nearly four minutes to 26:27 a night in six games with three assists.
How much longer does the Bruins championship window have left? One year, two years, or more? That remains to be seen, but there if they are going all-in for a title run next spring, then Ekholm could be the defensemen they need on a very good contract.
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What would the price be to acquire Ekholm? I know his name is mentioned a lot, but Jake DeBrusk? Some prospects? A draft pick or two? Maybe Nashville’s asking price won’t be what the Bruins like, but at least calling down to the Preds and asking about acquiring a guy that could be a good fit in Boston next season is worth a shot.
