4 potential candidates for Bruins in pursuit of Winnipeg Jets Mark Scheifele
The undeniable truth looms over the Boston Bruins: the void left by Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci's retirements this summer has dealt a blow to their center depth.
Though the final chapter of their illustrious careers was a fitting one, the team is bracing for the challenge that lies ahead, knowing the road to contention is steeper now.
Throughout the summer, as the decisions of Bergeron and Krejci cast a shadow, discussions have buzzed with anticipation that the Bruins are primed to secure a centerman who, while cost-effective, could wield a significant impact in the top-6 lineup.
Amidst the speculation, Elias Lindholm's name has emerged as a potential candidate, though his fate with the Calgary Flames remains shrouded in uncertainty.
In contrast, the trajectory of Mark Scheifele from the Winnipeg Jets is a bit more defined. The Jets find themselves navigating through a period of transition, bidding adieu to Blake Wheeler and Pierre-Luc Dubois.
With both Connor Hellebuyck and Scheifele looking elsewhere, Winnipeg can seize the moment, capitalizing on the synergy between a team seeking victory and a conspicuous vacancy at the center position.
According to insights shared by Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston, Jake DeBrusk could become a plausible trade asset if he doesn't commit to a contract extension before the trade deadline.
Given his value, the Bruins can't afford to lose him without securing a return. The ranks of potential trade candidates extend to Linus Ullmark, especially if Jeremy Swayman convincingly steps up to claim the role of full-time starter for the Bruins.
And then there's the intriguing scenario involving defensemen, with both Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort positioned on expiring contracts, making them enticing movable pieces considering their utility.
As the spotlight turns to Scheifele, who enters the final year of his contract boasting an appealing $6.125 million AAV, there's room to entertain the notion that some salary retention might be employed to harmonize the deal with the Bruins' cap situation.
Be it any of the aforementioned quartet from the Bruins' roster, the underlying goal is clear: create the fiscal flexibility required to fortify the center position, instilling a new level of potency into the team's offensive arsenal.
As the upcoming season beckons, uncertainty prevails over Boston's trajectory. Yet, it's important to recall that last season's underdog status didn't hinder their remarkable record-breaking surge.
In the world of sports, where unpredictability reigns, the Bruins are poised to pen another chapter that could defy expectations.
Source: Nhltraderumors
| POLL | ||
Will the Bruins manage to overcome their center depth challenges and emerge as contenders, even after the retirements of Bergeron and Krejci? | ||
| Yes | 44 | 61.1 % |
| No | 28 | 38.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
