2024 NHL Trade Deadline: 2 moves that make sense for the Bruins, 2 that don't make sense
Two days away from the trade deadline, here are two moves that make sense for Boston to make, and here are two moves that don't make sense
Well, the time has almost come. The Boston Bruins sit two days away from the trade deadline and are just three points out of first place in the National Hockey League.
There has been talk about the Bruins players such as Anthony Duclair from the San Jose Sharks, or making a big splash in signing goaltender Jeremy Swayman to a fairly large extension.
With the deadline coming up quickly for the Bruins, here are two moves that would make sense for them to make, and two moves that would not make sense for them to make.
Move that makes sense #1 - Acquiring more defensive depth
Right now, if you watch Boston play, it's been very nerve-racking to say the least. As Causeway Crowd's Randolph Charlotin wrote earlier this year, it's as if, no lead is safe. Even Tuesday, with a 1-0 lead against the Edmonton Oilers and the visitors' net empty, the Bruins were unable to put the puck in a gaping net, leading to a game-tying goal from the Oilers, and eventual game-winner in overtime.
To make matters even worse, it's not that goaltender Linus Ullmark finished with 24 saves, something he usually does quite easily in a win.
With that said, it's easy to see the problem. With defenseman Hampus Lindholm hurt, the team has had to rely on Parker Wotherspoon, Matt Grcelcyk, and Derek Forbort to hold down the fort until he comes back and it has not gone very well. Therefore, the first item on Boston's agenda Friday needs to be acquiring more defense.
Move that makes sense #2 - Trading Brandon Bussi for draft picks
Now, this one is going out on a limb since the only time Brandon Bussi has touched NHL ice is through warmups or preseason play, but trading Bussi makes almost too much sense not to do it and for one simple reason: he's the same age as Swayman, in fact he's a few months older.
With Swayman's extension imminent, and both netminders' careers in very different places, Bussi almost becomes irrelevant to the team. He can't play the veteran card, but he also can't play the promising rookie card either since he hasn't played a minute in the NHL.
One thing the Bruins are missing (other than depth at defense), is draft capital. While you might be able to get something for Bussi, it may not be much; but given what he has shown in the AHL as a metaphorical third-string goaltender to Swayman and Ullmark, there is a chance you could get something for him before he tries to go somewhere else and you lose him for nothing.
Move that does not make sense #1 - Trading Ullmark. Period.
Okay, it's no secret that Boston has struggled to get things going consistently recently, but that doesn't mean that they should immediately trade one of their goaltenders because he is not living up to the fans' standards.
Right now, Swayman has emerged as the goaltender of the future and taken away the starting role from Ullmark, but that doesn't mean that the latter needs to get traded. In fact, with his no-trade list, who knows where you would even be able to trade him to (or if he'd be willing to waive any of it).
Having two goalies who are at the top of their game at least 80% of the time, there's really no need to trade one of them. The best course of action? Keep both of them for now and decide what to do after the season, when Ullmark's list shrinks.
Move that does not make sense #2 - Trading Jake DeBrusk
When discussing the Bruins inability to get anything going, goal-scoring is definitely part of that conversation. Unfortunately, for forward Jake DeBrusk, he has been the subject of recent trade talks.
DeBrusk, however, should not be a part of any trade talks. Part of this is due to his recent play (four points in his last 10 games), but another reason to not trade him is that he has repeatedly said that he wants to stay in Boston, something that would alienate him were to hit free agency in the offseason.
DeBrusk is also on the younger end of things for a forward at 27-years-old, so there is a chance that Don Sweeney and co. could get him to stay for cheaper than they originally thought.