Trade Priority for the Bruins: Deciding Between Defenseman or Forward
Injuries and underperformance have plagued the Boston Bruins’ defense this season, making it clear that their trade deadline priority is improving the left side of their defensive lineup. With key players like Hampus Lindholm, Matt Grzelcyk, Derek Forbort, and Jakub Zboril facing setbacks, the Bruins need to address their defensive needs to maintain their competitiveness.
Hampus Lindholm, who entered training camp as the team’s No. 2 defenseman, has been on injured reserve for eight consecutive games. Before his injury, Lindholm was a top performer and placed fourth in Norris Trophy voting. Similarly, Matt Grzelcyk has been plagued by injuries this season, affecting his performance and making him a negative possession player for the first time in his career. Grzelcyk is also an unrestricted free agent after this season, creating uncertainty about his future with the team.
Derek Forbort has struggled with both injuries and performance issues, resulting in him being a healthy scratch for several recent games. Like Grzelcyk, Forbort is also unrestricted after this season. Jakub Zboril failed to make the roster out of camp and his contract is expiring, raising doubts about his NHL future.
Despite these challenges, the Bruins have managed to defend well against tough opponents. However, they need to strengthen their defense to maintain their defensive prowess. The team’s ability to limit Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers to 1.39 expected five-on-five goals was commendable. However, it was their lowest rate since February 15th against the Seattle Kraken. The Bruins have struggled to keep opponents off the five-on-five board recently, emphasizing the need for defensive reinforcements.
While the Bruins could use help up front, their biggest need lies in improving their defense. The question now is how to address this need. Noah Hanifin, ranked third on The Athletic’s trade board, is the top-ranked left-shot defenseman available. Hanifin is on an expiring contract with a manageable average annual value, making him an attractive option for the Bruins. However, meeting the Calgary Flames’ asking price may prove challenging.
To acquire a quality defenseman, the Bruins may need to make some moves. Trading Linus Ullmark, their goaltender with a $5 million average annual value, could provide the assets and cap space needed for a blue-line acquisition. However, this would require confidence in Jeremy Swayman’s ability to handle the workload in the postseason. Swayman has shown promise in recent games, but starting him in the playoffs would be a significant decision.
Finding a suitable trade partner for Ullmark will also be crucial. The New Jersey Devils have expressed interest in Ullmark if they are unable to acquire Jacob Markstrom. However, Ullmark has partial no-trade protection, and his agent has not disclosed whether the Devils are on his no-trade list.
The recent trade between the Florida Panthers and the Ottawa Senators, which saw the Panthers acquire Vladimir Tarasenko, has made the Panthers an even more dangerous offensive team. Considering that the Panthers could be a second-round opponent for the Bruins, it is now more important than ever for the Bruins to bolster their blue line.
In conclusion, the Boston Bruins’ trade deadline priority is clear: they must focus on improving their defense, specifically the left side. Injuries and underperformance have exposed their defensive weaknesses, and addressing this issue will be crucial for their success in the postseason. While there are challenges in acquiring a top defenseman like Noah Hanifin, trading Linus Ullmark could provide the necessary assets and cap space for a blue-line acquisition. The Bruins need to act decisively and strategically to strengthen their defense and maintain their competitiveness as they push towards the playoffs.