NHL Speculation: Boston Bruins and Winnipeg Jets Rumors
Time for the latest NHL speculation heading into the weekend as the March 8 NHL trade deadline approaches. General managers are facing crucial decisions regarding their players. Will teams push for a playoff run or opt for roster adjustments? The race to acquire pieces for the Stanley Cup Playoffs has been ongoing since earlier this month. Today’s NHL rumors focus on the Boston Bruins and Winnipeg Jets.
All NHL rumors originate from primary sources and are subject to potential changes.
Boston Bruins:
Rumor: According to Elliotte Friedman in his “32 Thoughts” segment on Sportsnet, the Bruins are seeking upgrades at center and defense. However, they may need to part with current roster players to facilitate trades.
Analysis: General Manager Don Sweeney is known to want to strengthen the team’s core and defensive lineup. However, due to current restrictions, the Bruins cannot trade draft picks. Friedman and Jeff Marek suggested that trading existing players might be necessary to make deals happen. With no pick until the fourth round in the upcoming NHL Draft, the Bruins also value several young prospects as off-limits.
Previous rumors have linked Noah Hanifin to the Bruins, with players like Jake DeBrusk and Matt Grzelcyk mentioned as potential trade pieces. Goalie Linus Ullmark’s name surfaced, but Friedman emphasized that a significant trade would be required. Considering the Bruins’ goaltending depth with Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, Marek noted the possibility of leveraging this depth for trades. Additionally, trading Ullmark or others could create salary cap space to negotiate a raise for Swayman, who is an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent.
Winnipeg Jets:
Rumor: David Pagnotta and Anthony DiMoro from The Fourth Period reported that the Jets are looking to bolster their lineup, with interest in Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton.
Analysis: Laughton has previously been mentioned in NHL rumors and has a manageable salary cap hit until the 2025-26 season. While the Flyers appear to be on an upward trajectory, Jets GM Daniel Briere might explore Laughton’s availability. The Jets, known for their strong defensive play, could benefit from Laughton’s addition to reinforce their center depth. While offensive firepower may also be a consideration, adding Laughton would be a prudent move for the Jets.
