This year’s Boston Bruins have been one of the best teams in the league so far. As a Stanley Cup contender, they are likely to secure one of the Metropolitan Division’s automatic playoff spots. However, should Boston punch their ticket as expected, they will need reinforcements to ensure they have the depth to make a lengthy run. Today’s NHL rumours examine some options for the team.
The Bruins’ goaltending tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman has been a nice surprise with Ullmark putting himself in the Vezina conversation. Their skaters have also been solid as well, with each forward line contributing well. It may appear like Boston could go all the way as they are. However, the rumour mill says differently and that general manager Don Sweeney may be looking to improve.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins Look to Improve the Blueline
Today’s NHL rumours come from Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, where he suggested Boston may be looking at the trade market for a defenceman.
He specifically stated that the club would be interested in a left-sided player, with the likes of the Arizona Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Vladislav Gavrikov in the mix.
What Does Boston Currently Have Available?
Head coach Jim Montgomery is right now working with Hampus Lindholm, Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort. With NHL experience, Mike Reilly is also a possibility. However, he is currently in the AHL with Providence Bruins. Lindholm contributes well on the special team’s units and is having a career year in points, accumulating 33 points in 51 games.
Grzelcyk has shown a nice upturn in offensive production. Forbort is proving to be a good defensive anchor, allowing Boston’s strong forward group to create and score. Both Grzelcyk and Forbort also have a strong presence on the penalty kill, which is one of the best in the NHL.
Could Chychrun or Gavrikov Provide an Upgrade?
The short answer is yes.
After being acquired last season, it is safe to say Lindholm has cemented his place in the team. The Swede is not at risk of being traded, Grzelcyk and Forbort do not have the same security. Chychrun would be the most likely out of the two to arrive in Massachusetts. The two-way defenceman with a reasonable offensive output seems like he would be a perfect fit to replace Grzelcyk in the top four.
Chychrun also offers an elite passing ability, skating, physicality and visual awareness on the ice. These all prove a huge upgrade on what Grzelcyk currently brings to the table. These attributes would all give Boston’s special teams a major boost. There are downsides to Chychrun, with a concerning injury history. Combined with the sky-high price Arizona is rumoured to be asking for, this may prompt Boston to look elsewhere.
Gavrikov
The alternative it seems is Gavrikov. On the face of it, the Russian is not as appealing with his offensive output on a downturn and the fact he would be a rental.
However, the Bruins are in a win-now mode. It could be the last dance for forwards Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci and rolling the dice on Gavrikov to ensure that depth in the left side could be what they need. Being a rental he will be much cheaper than Chychrun. The Canadian is tied down to a team-friendly deal carrying a $4.6m AAV for two more years.
Gavrikov’s playing style is similar to that of Forbort’s but of a somewhat higher quality. This allows him to grind out long minutes on special teams and against all four lines.
It could be that by the deadline Boston is fairly happy with their defence. As such, any upgrade would be done without committing or sending too much away. Therefore, for a deep Stanley Cup run, Gavrikov could make a lot of sense.
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