The Boston Bruins find themselves in a similar situation to last year’s trade deadline. They are postseason contenders, but there are several flaws that must be addressed.
Despite a 4-3-5 record since the All-Star break, Boston sits second in the Eastern Conference and tied with the Florida Panthers for 84 points.
With the trade deadline barely a week away, these are three spots the Bruins should address before March 8.
Boston’s defense has experienced numerous injuries this season and requires further depth. Matt Grzelyck and Derek Forbort have missed 42 games this season, largely due to injuries.
Both Forbort and Grzelyck have had very disappointing seasons thus far. In 34 games, Forbort has 0 goals, four assists, and four points. Grzelyck has 2 goals, 6 assists, and 8 points in 46 games.
“Another stiff defender would be good,” Boston Bruins president Cam Neely told Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic on Monday regarding the team’s need for improvement. “And you could always use help on offense.”
Mason Lohrei and Parker Wotherspoon have improved this season, but the squad requires a seasoned defenseman who can tag along with Charlie.
Center
Going into the 2023-24 season, it was believed that the Bruins would require major assistance to cover the large void created by the retirements of veterans Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha have outperformed expectations this season, although there have been some shortcomings in the second half. In recent weeks, the Bruins have been linked to Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique, but the team’s lack of cap space and draft capital has left them in a tight situation.
“Our cupboards are a little thin considering what we did last year and in previous years,” Neely went on to say. “So something has to make sense to us. There are other areas where we can improve, such as adding more grit to the bottom of our lineup.
Scoring winger
After losing wingers Tyler Bertuzzi and Taylor Hall throughout the offseason, the Bruins may attempt to improve their attack by adding a player who can provide more scoring depth. According to Emily Kaplan of ESPN, the Bruins “are scouting middle-six forwards” who may “add a scoring punch.”
Boston ranks seventh in goals scored (204), but they still need offense. Jake DeBrusk has been inconsistent this season and is underperforming. Except for Pastrnak and Marchand, Coyle and Trent Frederic are the only players with more than 15 goals this season.
James van Riemsdyk and Morgan Geekie, Boston’s free agent additions, have performed admirably, but the team could use another winger to improve its offensive.
If the Bruins want to make a good Stanley Cup run, they must focus on adding a defenseman, a top-six winger, and a center before the March 8 deadline.
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