Bruins 'believed' to be looking for a left defender, according to the report

Bruins ‘believed’ to be looking for a left defender, according to the report

Even though the Boston Bruins are heavy favourites to take home the Stanley Cup this year, they still need some help before the NHL trade deadline on March 3.

Without a question, the Bruins could use a second defender. Which kind of defensemen, however, might they aim for?

In his most recent 32 Thoughts column published on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said the following: ” “Also thought to be in the left-defence market is Boston. It wouldn’t surprise me if they had spoken with Vladislav Gavrikov and Jakob Chychrun among others. They have unique chemistry, and messing with it may be risky.

But given that you are unsure of how long the group will remain as a unit, this year is definitely one to take risks. You also don’t know how long your top two centres, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, will be giving you a gift of $3.5 million combined against the cap (yes, they’ll have to deal with bonuses next season, but it’s still a gift).”

NHL trade deadline in 2023: Prioritizing the Bruins’ most pressing issues

On the left side of the blue line, the Bruins are doing quite well.

Hampus Lindholm has performed like a top-pairing defender the whole season and is on track to establish a new single-season career best in points. Along with Charlie McAvoy, his outstanding two-way play has given the Bruins two legitimate No. 1 defensemen. Boston has not recently been in such circumstance.

On the left side, Matt Grzelcyk is doing well as well. He’s been maintaining excellent puck possession and generating offence more often. In the last 15 games, he has scored 10 of his 19 points. On the third pairing, Derek Forbort has been a powerful, muscular presence and one of the key contributors to the league’s best penalty kill. With 5.53 blocked shots per 60 minutes, he leads the B’s.

In the minors with the Providence Bruins of the AHL, Boston also possesses left-handed shooting veteran defender Mike Reilly. Additionally, Jakub Zboril plays the left side.

Bruins’ trade objectives Boston should target these five defenders.

The B’s have decent depth on the left side of defence, but there is always opportunity for development.

Grzelcyk would be replaced by Chychrun. Although their skill sets are comparable, Chychrun is a touch more talented and can hold his own against more formidable opponents. He is contracted for two more seasons at a salary cap charge of $4.6 million that is acceptable to the franchise. Chychrun is a dynamic attacking player, but his toughness is a worry.

His career has been plagued by several ailments, and only twice in his first six seasons with the Coyotes has he played in more than 60 games. Chychrun has played an average of 23:05 per game while accumulating 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) in 34 games.

Last year, Chychrun allegedly piqued the Bruins’ attention. They ultimately made a huge deal for Lindholm, which has been incredibly successful. Chychrun’s asking price was apparently quite high, but the Coyotes don’t have to sign a contract with him right now since he won’t be a free agency this summer.

Gavrikov would also be a welcome addition. While his scoring has decreased from previous year, he still plays a hard style, kills penalties, and can play more than 20 minutes each game against top-notch opposition. This summer, he will be an unrestricted free agency with a cap charge of just $2.8 million.

For the Stanley Cup Playoffs, defenders are a constant need. Don Sweeney, general manager of the Boston Bruins, would be wise to take advantage of the trade deadline by adding to the team’s depth on the blue line, on either side.

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