The NHL trade deadline approaches for the Bruins, with just over a week to complete a move.
Despite the fact that the deadline is approaching, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery is not thinking about it right now. He appears to prefer it this way.
“My focus is really just on our group,” Montgomery told reporters after Wednesday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena, according to team footage. “I’m not concerned with it. When you have faith in upper management, as we do, and believe our management team is elite, you just let them do their duties while you focus on yours.”
The whispers and speculation swirling around the trade deadline regarding potential moves can envelop a locker room. However, Montgomery believes that many in the Bruins locker room are more concerned with ending Boston’s three-game losing streak — all of which occurred in overtime or a shootout — than with discussing what-if scenarios.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Montgomery said of conversations among his own players. “And I believe as a staff, we speak frequently with the players and leaders, but there has been no feedback on that. I don’t believe that has been a major issue for our organization. “We’re more concerned with our team play.”
Montgomery’s approach to the trade deadline is not uncommon. Veteran winger Brad Marchand is captaining the Bruins for the first time during a trade deadline, but his message to his teammates was similar to Montgomery’s.
“The biggest thing is that it’s hard when you start worrying about things that are out of your control,” Marchand told reporters, according to team footage. “You never know how things are going to turn out. But the most important thing is to refocus on being present and appreciating each day. The most important thing is to avoid getting caught up in it. Aside from that, we have plenty to worry about.
“The more you allow your mind to wander, the harder you make it for yourself. It’s about trying to stay in the game and the room. I’m not concerned with receiving too much outside notice or media attention. It gets tricky because there’s so much talk about it, but you just have to stay away from it.”
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