Win-Win Deals for the Boston Bruins at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline
If recent franchise history is any indication, we should probably expect the Bostons Bruins to make some sort of move—or series of moves—prior to the NHL trade deadline on March 8.
Not only are they once again one of the best teams in the NHL with an opportunity to make a Stanley Cup Playoff run, but general manager Don Sweeney has a track record for making big moves.
Three years ago, it was Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar.
Two years ago, it was Hampus Lindholm, who also signed a long-term contract to remain in Boston.
A year ago, it was Dmitry Orlov and Tyler Bertuzzi.
If Sweeney wants to take a similar swing this season, he is going to need to get creative given the Bruins’ lack of salary-cap space and the fact their draft pick and prospect pool has been severely depleted in recent years, due in large part to the aforementioned trades.
So, let’s take a look at some potential win-win ideas for the Bruins that could help give them the pieces they need for their championship puzzle.
Moving Jake DeBrusk for More Trade Assets
On the surface, this would seem to be the exact opposite of what the Bruins would need or want to do at the deadline given their place in the standings.
They are a contender, and moving an NHL roster piece—a potentially productive one—is not something most contenders look to do. But it might be a way for the Bruins to get creative in trying to make a move to improve more pressing needs on the roster.
For one, the Bruins don’t have a lot of trade assets. They have no first-, second-, or third-round pick this season and no second-round pick in 2025. They also have one of the NHL’s thinnest farm systems in terms of prospects. Those two factors severely limit what they can offer around the league to teams that are looking to sell.
Moving DeBrusk could be a way to help get around that.
As a pending unrestricted free agent, he wouldn’t have much use for a seller, but if the Bruins could flip him to a buyer—preferably in the Western Conference—they might be able to recoup a couple draft picks or a decent prospect that could be used in another potential move.
DeBrusk has been involved in trade speculation for a couple of years now, but there might be a sensible argument for moving him now. His production has dropped, they could use an additional pick or prospect, and it would also clear a $4 million contract from their cap. It would open up a lot of other options to further strengthen the roster.
Noah Hanifin or Chris Tanev From Calgary
This level of addition might require the Bruins to first make a trade like the aforementioned DeBrusk move. They’d potentially need to get the type of assets the Flames would require
