March 8 is the NHL trade deadline, but it wouldn’t hurt to make moves ahead of schedule to allow newly acquired players more time to gel with their new teammates.
Of course, a deal requires two teams, maybe even three. Additionally, not many clubs are actually out of the running for the playoffs, according to the standings, so there isn’t much of a reason for these teams to give up and become trade deadline sellers just yet.
With a 31-9-9 record (71 points), the Boston Bruins lead the Eastern Conference going into the All-Star break. They are also tied for the top record in the league with the Vancouver Canucks. We should anticipate that the Bruins will attempt to add a player or two before the trade deadline, given their position in the standings.
In each of his eight prior trade deadlines as general manager of the Boston Bruins, Don Sweeney has taken action to bolster his roster. Six of his eight trade deadlines have resulted in the acquisition of several players, including the B’s acquisition of Dmitry Orlov, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Garnet Hathaway last season. Two first-round draft selections were among the pricey additions.
This time, Sweeney doesn’t have as many valuable goods to throw around. The Bruins do not have second-round picks in 2024 or 2025, nor do they have a first-round pick in 2024. Nor is Boston’s prospect pool brimming with outstanding talent. Not to mention, according to CapFriendly, the Bruins have less than $1 million in salary cap room.
However, that shouldn’t deter Sweeney from making a few attempts at moving.
The top three requirements for the Bruins before to the trade deadline are listed below, arranged in reverse order.