Should The Boston Bruins Go Big or Small at Trade Deadline?
With the NHL trade deadline drawing nearer and nearer, the rumors swirling around Boston Bruins trades are growing. With some injuries that have piled up and how this could be the year to go all in, Don Sweeney is linked to key names on the trade block. We will examine which names are linked to the team and if it is a good idea to add to the group.
The Big Fish
Every year teams make the big splash and go after the big fish. Not only is it costly, but sometimes those don’t always work out (Florida Panthers last year, for example). In this case, the Bruins are the best team in hockey and by a wide margin. With Patrice Bergeron’s and David Krejci’s futures uncertain, this could be the year for Sweeney to throw all his chips in the middle. Who are the big fish, and should Sweeney go there?
Bo Horvat
It is no secret the Bruins have been in talks for Horvat. Horvat is having a career year this year (31-19-50) and is a pending UFA. He comes as a rental, but having depth down the middle is crucial come playoff time. Granted, the Bruins are deep in that regard as it is, but Horvat could help put the team over the top. The Carolina Hurricanes are also in the mix for his services.
The other big fish out there is Jonathan Toews, who, according to Elliotte Friedman, has a price tag of a second and third-round pick. Ryan O’Reilly is out there but is not currently linked to Boston.
Is A Big Fish Worth It?
If it is not broken, don’t fix it. That’s how I feel about this. Would it be wise to go all in on this core group? Absolutely. But the chemistry displayed with each line has been vital. Despite Jake DeBrusk’s injury, he will return and thrive on the Bruins’ top line. The Czech line has been great at scoring as a trio, despite lacking in generating chances. Taylor Hall has helped elevate the third line as Trent Frederic, and Charlie Coyle is playing better hockey. As much as Horvat would boost the team and any other big fish, these Bruins trades, I would avoid making these.
The Smaller Fish
Nick Bonino
Fluto Shinzawa from The Athletic has labeled Boston Bruins trades in another direction. With Tomas Nosek out for the next four weeks, the team could aim for a smaller fish to replace him. That small fish is Nick Bonino.
Bonino is more of an insurance plan if the call-ups from Providence do not work out. Joonas Koppanen (in the lineup) and Marc McLaughlin have been recalled to join the team on the upcoming road trip. But Bonino is an intriguing name.
Once a playoff hero for the Pittsburgh Penguins (2015-16), Bonino has spent the last few seasons with the San Jose Sharks. In a depth role, Bonino has surpassed the 10-goal mark in the previous seven seasons. He currently has eight goals, eight assists, and 16 points while also winning 50.7% of his faceoffs.
Is It Worth It?
In this case, I would say yes. Depth goes a long way, as does experience. Bonino is no stranger to playoff hockey, and his production could go well for the fourth line. The Bruins have three lines that can score at any given rate, and the depth is exceptional, but if the fourth line can chip in as well, it’s enormous. It is not always about the big splash; the little ones can make the most impact.
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