By: Tom Calautti | Follow me on Twitter @TCalauttis
The Boston Bruins are in an unfamiliar position as we approach the NHL Trade Deadline. With two additional games played, the team is two points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final wild card spot. They’re in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, and General Manager Don Sweeney has some difficult decisions to make as the March 7th deadline approaches.
There have been plenty of rumors and speculation surrounding who the Bruins could ship out the door as they attempt to retool for the future. Today, an interesting report trickled out detailing exactly who the Bruins are shopping and which players they’re listening on.
According to The Fourth Period, current Bruins Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau have received the most interest. “Forwards Justin Brazeau and Trent Frederic have generated the most attention.” The two bottom-six forwards have been fixtures in the rumor mill since December of last year, and their names being mentioned are no surprise. The report goes on to drop an even bigger bombshell in the very next paragraph.
“On Monday morning, TFP reported defenceman Brandon Carlo is available and was added to the TFP Trade Watch List. In addition to Carlo, the Bruins are also open to calls on forwards Pavel Zacha, Charlie Coyle and Morgan Geekie.”
Brandon Carlo’s name has picked up traction in recent days. The 28-year-old shutdown defenseman has two years remaining on his contract at a reasonable $4.1 million per season. Carlo has posted 1-8-9 through 61 games this season. The report mentions that the Calgray Flames are among the teams that have already checked in on Carlo.
Pavel Zacha is an interesting mention due to his generally solid numbers and chemistry with David Pastrnak. Zacha has 12-25-37 through 62 games this year. He’s currently in year two of a four-year, $19 million contract paying him approximately $4.75 million per season.
Charlie Coyle could be a great fit as a third line center on any number of contenders. The recently-turned 33-year-old has one year left on his current deal at $5.25 million. His numbers have dropped this season (only 14-7-21 in 62 games) but his durability, defensive prowess, playoff experience, and reliability make him one of the better centers on a relatively thin market.
Morgan Geekie is in the midst of his second record-breaking season, as he’s already shattered his career-high 17 goals with 19 through 57 games. Geekie is a restricted free agent at the end of the season, so unlike Frederic and Brazeau (UFAs) the Bruins can retain him without breaking the bank on an extension.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the report is the omission of Bruins captain Brad Marchand. The 4 Nations Champion recently made remarks about improving the team and organization next season. Joe Sacco said that Marchand is week-to-week today at practice, so we’ll see if that impacts the team’s trade plans moving forward.
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