Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! The trade deadline is growing closer and closer, and new players have found their way onto the trade block. Also, don’t forget to put in your fan votes for the All-Star game! More importantly, the rumours are swirling. Today we focus on the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: Matt Larkin from Daily Faceoff Links Flames Defenceman to the Boston Bruins
Craig Conroy is going to be a busy man. The Calgary Flames have highly coveted talents that will net good returns potentially. With the rumour mill churning faster and faster, destinations are being linked for these players. One of the biggest trade chips is Noah Hanifin, but the other is Chris Tanev. He has been linked to the Boston Bruins, which is very intriguing.
Boston has a well rounded defensive core group, highlighted by Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, and Brandon Carlo. However, at this moment the Bruins defence is on the injury list. Derek Forbort has been on LTIR, and Carlo got hurt in the game against the Colorado Avalanche. Overall, the group is in good shape, but Larkin has reasons to believe this is a good fit.
Given the state of the injuries, adding Tanev would provide great insurance. Boston currently holds a playoff spot, and his presence would be a huge boost on the back end. Furthermore, he fits the Bruins mould and plays a style that fits right in.
One problem is that the Bruins do not have many assets to give, as they lack a first and second round draft pick. Although Tanev would be a good get by Don Sweeney.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Rumour: Elliote Friedman discusses a reunion for Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh
The next set of NHL Rumours takes us to the Metropolitan Division. Don’t look now, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the thick of things. It was a shaky start, but the team found its way back into fighting for a playoff spot. Sidney Crosby is having one of the best years of his career and others are falling in line. One player that’s having a great year is Jake Guentzel.
Guentzel currently is second on the team in goals (18) and leads the team in points (44). There is one tricky problem and that is that he is in a contract year. Guentzel will be a highly coveted player in free agency, if he makes it that far. However, Friedman discussed a backup plan in the event that they potentially lose him.
One team to keep an eye on is the Carolina Hurricanes, who are five points ahead of the Penguins in the standings. Friedman mentions a potential reunion, as he could look to acquire Michael Bunting from the Hurricanes via trade.
Bunting is not Guentzel but he is cheaper and has proven that he can score goals. He is coming off two straight 23 goal seasons, while also putting up 62 points during the 2021-22 season. He signed a contract with the Hurricanes in free agency, but with ties to Dubas, a trade could be possible. With the Hurricanes in the goalie market, being able to clear cap space is huge.
The Metropolitan Division is chaotic in a good way, but this is something keep an eye on.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
