Three defensemen the Bruins should pursue before the trade deadline.
The Boston Bruins have faced a recent downturn, enduring four consecutive losses and securing just three wins thus far in February. The team’s woes were compounded by the news of defenseman Hampus Lindholm sustaining a lower-body injury during a game against the Dallas Stars on February 19, rendering him week-to-week.
Losing Lindholm deals a significant blow to the struggling Bruins. Despite not reaching the same performance level as last season, Lindholm has remained a crucial component of the team in the current season, logging substantial ice time and contributing 19 points in 56 games.
With the trade deadline looming, the Bruins’ management faces a pivotal decision regarding their approach. Limited by minimal cap space—merely $57,500—General Manager Don Sweeney must navigate with ingenuity, likely necessitating roster adjustments to accommodate potential acquisitions. If Lindholm’s injury prolongs, addressing defensive deficiencies becomes imperative.
Several potential targets have emerged, including Noah Hanifin, a Massachusetts native currently with the Calgary Flames. Hanifin, with 30 points in 56 games, boasts impressive stats and fits the Bruins’ need for a left-shot defenseman. However, his contractual obligations and financial considerations pose challenges, albeit not insurmountable for Sweeney, known for adept maneuvering during trade deadlines.
Another viable option is Sean Walker of the Philadelphia Flyers, offering comparable performance to Lindholm at a more affordable price. Despite being a right-shot defenseman, Walker’s proficiency in top-four minutes could bolster the Bruins’ defensive depth.
Chris Tanev, Hanifin’s teammate in Calgary, presents another possibility. Known for defensive prowess rather than offensive output, Tanev could provide stability to the Bruins’ blue line, albeit with financial and age-related constraints.
Considering the constraints of acquiring top-tier players, exploring more economical options for defensive depth becomes prudent. Players like Joel Edmundson from the Washington Capitals or Ilya Lyubushkin from the Anaheim Ducks could serve as valuable additions, mitigating the impact of injuries and enhancing overall depth.
In light of ongoing injuries and defensive shortcomings, addressing defensive needs before the trade deadline emerges as a priority for the Bruins. Questions regarding available assets, willingness to part with key players like Jake DeBrusk, and draft pick considerations underscore the complexity of the decision-making process. However, bolstering defensive depth remains crucial to fortifying the team’s postseason prospects and avoiding a repeat of last season’s playoff challenges.
