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Boston Bruins: 3 Trade Options to Stay Away From

By Scott Roche

May 16, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 27: Oliver Ekman-Larsson #23 of the Arizona Coyotes shoots the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the NHL game at Gila River Arena on March 27, 2021, in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Sharks 4-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 27: Oliver Ekman-Larsson #23 of the Arizona Coyotes shoots the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the NHL game at Gila River Arena on March 27, 2021, in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Sharks 4-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Here we go again. Once again, it appears that Arizona Coyotes defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson could be available to acquire this summer, but while it would great to have him wearing the Black and Gold, Sweeney and the front office should stay clear of the 29-year-old.

The sixth overall pick by the then-Phoenix Coyotes, is a left-shot blueliner that the Bruins are craving for next season, but first and foremost, the price and contract are too high for Boston to bring on.

Ekman-Larsson has five years remaining on an eight-year, $66 million contract that carries an $8.25 million cap hit. As mentioned above with Eichel and the Sabres, there’s no way you’re getting the Coyotes to retain any part of that contract.

Yes, OEL would be the 20-minute a night top-four defensemen that Boston is looking for, but the price is too much just in the contract alone, never mind what the return to Arizona would be.

Ekman-Larsson had a down season numbers-wise as well. He had three goals and 21 assists in 46 games, but he had a plus/minus of minus-17 on a team that faded from playoff position in the West Divison in the final couple of weeks in the regular season.

Sweeney and the Bruins have had an interest in Ekman-Larrson before this season, but following his struggles of last season and his contract, they should stay away from OEL.

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