Players the Bruins should be cautious about trading: Matt Grzyleck (Defenseman), Jakub Zboril (Defenseman), Kyle Keyser (Goaltender)
Kyle Keyser (Goaltender)
Now, after the season that Brandon Bussi put together last season, you might be inclined to let Keyser go and give the reigns to Bussi and his opposite, Michael DiPietro.
I’d be a little bit cautious about this though. Bussi did have an excellent season throughout the 2022-23 season, and virtually carried the P-Bruins to the playoffs, but let’s pump the breaks on it for a little bit.
Bussi needs another season (at least), as the starter, or as part of a platoon system much like Montgomery did with Linus Ullmark, and Jeremy Swayman, just last season. It’s possible Keyser gets moved for the right deal, just as they did with Keith Kincaid last year, but watch for Boston to tread lightly.
Matt Grzyleck (Defenseman)
Matt Grzyleck was a force to be reckoned with in 2022-23, finishing with four goals, and 22 assists in 75 games all while finishing a +46 plus-minus rating. As if those numbers weren’t enough, he also set a career-high in penalty minutes, and tied a career-high in game-winning goals.
Unfortunately for Grzyleck, the blue line for the Bruins is getting to be a bit clogged – especially with left-handed defensemen.
With the arrivals of Alex Regula, and Ian Mitchell through the Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno trade. On the flip-side, don’t be surprised to see the Bruins keep Grzyleck around just to have as a depth piece – especially if the aforementioned Forbort is traded. Not to mention, he’s a local kid, why trade someone local?
Jakub Zboril (Defenseman
After being drafted 13th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Jakub Zboril has been sub-standard to say the least. That is, outside of his plus-minus rating which has reached as high as +20 during the 2019-20 season with Providence.
In 76 NHL games, however, Zboril’s take a bit of a tumble. The Czech defenseman has scored just one goal, and tacked on 15 assists to it (16 points).
Zboril has been a bust, and the laughing stock of the 2015 for Boston’s ability to draft in 2015. They took him first, followed by Jake DeBrusk, and Zachary Senyshyn going in consecutive picks to the Bruins before being followed by Matthew Barzal. Zboril is a good physical player, so if Boston wants some physicality on the blue line, that is where it may pause in trading him, other than that the Bruins should have no hesitation in moving him.