Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy: The Bruins could use a little more talent in the middle.
According to one source, the Chicago Blackhawks have informed teams of Tyler Johnson’s availability as a center. The 33-year-old is in the final year of his contract and has a $5 million cap charge. This season, he has four assists and seven goals. Johnson lacks size and jam and isn’t a top-six center. It doesn’t seem likely.
Pierre LeBrun once more connected the Bruins to UFA center Elias Lindholm of the Calgary Flames last week. The Bruins’ lack of a first-round pick in 2024 makes any transaction more difficult.
A few Toronto Maple Leafs assets that potential teams could find useful
The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel: Teams may request assets from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline. What relocation will the Leafs accept?
Is the Toronto Maple Leafs interested in trading their first-round pick in 2024? They kept their selection from the previous season, but they sent their 2025 to the Chicago Blackhawks, so they no longer hold it.
Dennis Hildeby: At six feet seven, the 22-year-old AHL goalie hasn’t been in many games and his worth is still unclear.
When Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan join, they will both be on entry-level contracts, which is crucial when you have more expensive players. Next season, Minten might be their third-line center. Nor will the Leafs pursue any trades. Groups will inquire.
Third, fourth, and fifth round selections in 2024 The Leafs possess three thirds, and one of them could be sufficient to sign a player such as Ilya Lyubushkin, but not Chris Tanev.
Nick Robertson How much trade does he have, and do the Leafs still think highly of him? has had injury problems in the past and has battled somewhat this season. At $800,000, he is inexpensive and has the potential to develop into a valuable middle-six player.
Topi Niemela, a 21-year-old, is the Leafs’ top blue line prospect. Would he have to be added in order to score a larger piece?
2026 initial round selection This decision wouldn’t really matter until 2029 or 2030. The Leafs would know the location of a 2024 pick, but not a 2026.
Teams may be interested in Pontus Holmberg because of his depth. With one more year left on his $800,000 contract, he might develop into a valuable forward in the bottom six.