The NHL March 6 Trade Deadline continues to inch closer as teams finalize their plans for the coming days. That includes the Boston Bruins, who are looking to add and make a run in the playoffs.
In a recent interview with Joe Haggerty of Boston Sports Journal, Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney had this to say about the Bruins’ deadline plans:
“We’re looking to give this (Bruins) team a bump (with a trade to improve the team) because they deserve it, but it’s with an eye toward the long term as well as improving this season’s team.”
The Bruins currently hold the last wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, just two points ahead of the Washington Capitals. The Capitals have played three more games than the Bruins at this point. Sweeney is considering adding something that helps the team in the long and short term.
This likely means the Bruins are looking to add a player with term, and probably not one who will be aging out of the league in a season or two. One area that the Bruins have really struggled with this season is their defensive play. This is highlighted by the fact that they sit 18th in goals against per game and 27th in penalty kill percentage.
Connected To Vancouver In Many Trade Rumours
Many of the forwards that the Bruins have been connected to have played for the Vancouver Canucks. One of the names most recently connected to them is Conor Garland. Garland, 29, is in the final year of his current deal, with a cap hit of $4.95 million. He was, however, signed to an extension prior to the dramatic turn of events in Vancouver this season. The extension is a six-year deal worth $6 million per season, kicking in at the end of this season.
Garland is known for being an undersized but hardworking player. So far this season, he has scored 26 points (7 goals, 19 assists) through 48 games. Adding Garland to this Bruins roster would strengthen their defensive play upfront. He would also be a nice depth scoring option. In addition, Garland is Massachusetts-born, adding a hometown connection.
What About On Defence?
The Bruins have been linked to two different St. Louis Blues defenders, Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk. Both players are great options, but St. Louis has made it very clear that teams will have to pay a premium for them. Is this a price that the Bruins are willing to pay?
After last season, it seemed like Boston was about to head into a rebuild. There were lots of factors that contributed to that. Jeremy Swayman missed training camp and preseason due to contract negotiations, Charlie McAvoy had a staph infection in his shoulder, and various other players dealt with significant injuries. Now it seems like last season’s issues are behind them, and the Bruins are ready to contend again. So paying the price to add one of these Blues defenders makes complete sense.
Next: Fraser Minten Breaking Out Big Time For The Bruins
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