INSIDER: Trade is near the finish line for the the Boston Bruins

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Dorin Canaday
February 21, 2023 (1:40 PM)

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Huge news on the trade front regarding the Boston Bruins this morning, as a well known insider states a trade is �'in place'' and �'near the finishing line'' for a defenseman.

It's been reported for a while now, that GM Don Sweeney is in the market for a left handed defenseman. With the two targets to date being Vladislav Gavrikov of the Blue Jackets and Jakob Chychrun of the Coyotes.

Just recently, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that the Bruins are very close to getting a deal done for one of them. As per Pagnotta:

''Vladislav Gavrikov Watch 2023 may be nearing the finish line. Per source, #CBJ� & #NHLBruins� have the framework of a trade in place (talk of a 1st/3rd in package), but Boston has to clear cap space. One player I'm told they're shopping is F Craig Smith.''

�'However #CBJ� won't wait forever. It's understood that if another team swoops in with a competitive/better offer, they could go that route. Ball (or puck) is in Boston's court as they try to make the $ work. Adding Gavrikov could surely eliminate Boston from the Chychrun talk.''

It sounds like the Bruins offer is a first and third round pick for Gavrikov, but are currently trying to offload Craig Smith before a move can be done.

Gavrikov, 27, is a defense-first dman that has 3 goals and 7 assists in 52 games this season. His numbers aren't great this season, but if a deal does happen, let's hope for a Hampus Lindholm situation.

Stay tuned!