Équipe: 2018-19 Bruins de Boston

Date de création initiale: 16 janv. 2019

Publié: 16 janv. 2019

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

The Bruins desperately need a right-shot winger for the second line or (ideally and) a third line center. You know who could definitely fit one of those roles? Kevin Hayes. But the Rangers have been anticipating a Hayes deadline deal for more than a year now and even in a buyer's market are going to hold out for a high price. Given Sweeney and co. would prefer to not trade a first-rounder or give up a lot for a rental, why not acquire a less expensive, very similar, and arguably equally skilled player with term? That would be Nick Bjugstad. The Panthers are floundering and looking to change things up. TSN had Bjugstad as an addition on their most recent trade bait board, even though there's been little talk out there, but regardless the Panthers are selling. Bjugstad has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, but not so much this season while also fighting injuries. He has the size and net front presence to succeed in the right system, but the inconsistency of the Panthers offense is going to limit his upside. I think either on Krejci's wing - a guy who has always preferred power forwards on his line - or anchoring a line with some speedy, talented wingers like Donato and Heinen - where the top-six pressure is off - he can find success.

As for the price, it could be far lower than it would seem. Two years ago, the Avs traded for Colin Wilson from the Preds for a fourth-rounder. He too was overpaid with two years remaining on a very similar contract and has a similar style and career production. Wilson even had the same injury and streakiness concerns. Of course, the Bruins would be getting Bjugstad for two years plus a stretch run and would pay that premium. Yet, the Devils got Marcus Johansson for two years for a second- and third-rounder and the Panthers themselves just got Mike Hoffman for two years for a second-, fourth-, and fifth-rounder. Those players are definitely better than Bjugstad, but those prices simply aren't scary to me. I think the Bruins could easily get away with landing Bjugstad and his admittedly not-awesome cap hit for a pair of mid-round picks and a well-regarded albeit aging prospect.

Maybe the best part of this deal is that there's still ample cap space and trade capital left to make another move this season. I don't know that the B's have what it takes to win it all this season without an addition to both the second and third lines. I think Bjugstad is a great versatile option, especially nice that he can fill the same role moving forward, but wherever they think he would fit best, they should go get someone else to fill that other role. I think the aforementioned Johansson would be a nice buy-low rental at third-line center and I think Alex Chiasson and Brett Ritchie could be intriguing RW options at a bargain rate.