The Boston Bruins would make a big move by the March 8 trade deadline.
Amid speculation on whether the Boston Bruins will make a big acquisition before the NHL trade deadline, there’s uncertainty about whether they’ll move a goaltender to do it.
Earlier this month, there was some speculation over whether the Boston Bruins would make a big move by the March 8 trade deadline. While GM Don Sweeney has a history of landing notable talent by deadline day, his lack of draft picks and depleted prospect pool makes it unlikely he’ll make a major splash this year.
That hasn’t stopped the buzz in the rumour mill that Sweeney is looking to bolster his roster depth in the trade market.
On Jan. 11, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan wrote that some observers still wonder if the Bruins might draw on their goal tending depth by moving Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman. Given the number of teams in the market for an upgrade between the pipes, either one could fetch a significant return.
Kaplan indicated that’s a path the Bruins would rather not take. She noted that Swayman became eligible on Jan. 1 for a contract extension, adding that sources suggested it could be done soon.
Sweeney understandably won’t break up the best goalie tandem in the league. The duo have been key to the Bruins exceeding expectations in what’s been considered a transition year for the club.
Speaking of Swayman and his contract situation, Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy wondered if the 25-year-old net minder was sending a shot across management’s bow when addressing his selection to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.
Swayman praised his teammates but also revealed that his arbitration hearing last summer was less than pleasant, referring to “hearing things that a player shouldn’t hear.” He was awarded a one-year, $3.475-million contract for this season.
Slated once again to become an RFA with arbitration rights on July 1, Murphy felt that Swayman’s comment suggested that his next contract signing might not be as close as rumour has it.
Meanwhile, Kaplan noted that there’s talk of the Bruins scouting for middle-six forwards, preferably one with some scoring punch. Whether Sweeney can find afford one, given his limited trade bait, remains to be seen.
