The Boston Bruins are making waves in the Eastern Conference after their 4-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, pushing their season tally to 71 points. This victory marks a solid rebound for the Bruins, who are currently holding the second Wildcard spot in the East. It seems the post-Olympic break has been kind to Boston, with six wins in their last ten games.
Last season's trade deadline saw the Bruins in a selling mode, offloading assets to restock. Fast forward a year, and GM Don Sweeney appears to be shifting gears. Reports suggest the Bruins are now in buying mode, looking to bolster their roster in the coming week.
The Bruins have their eyes set on acquiring a top-four, right-shot defenseman, a pursuit that began with their interest in Vegas Golden Knights' Rasmus Andersson. They are also in the market for a top-six forward, ideally a right-shot, according to insider reports.
Boston has been in talks with the Calgary Flames, who have defenseman MacKenzie Weegar available. Weegar, a right-shot defenseman, fits Boston's needs, but his long-term contract and no-trade clause present hurdles.
Nazem Kadri's name has surfaced as a potential fit, but his hefty contract and age seem to make the Bruins hesitant. The team is wary of committing to older players with significant contracts after last year's focus on getting younger.
The St. Louis Blues are another team on Boston's radar.
With several players on the trade block, the Bruins have been closely monitoring their options. Colton Parayko, an Olympic silver medalist, is a standout candidate.
The 32-year-old defenseman aligns with Boston's needs, though his contract and no-trade clause are factors to consider.
Justin Faulk, another Blues defenseman, is also of interest but seems to be a secondary option. Faulk's contract is shorter, and his trade restrictions are less stringent, which could make him a more feasible target.
Blues captain Brayden Schenn has been mentioned as a target, but Robert Thomas, 26, seems to be a more appealing option for the Bruins. Thomas's skill set fits Boston's blueprint, though acquiring him would come at a steep price due to the high demand for top centers.
Boston holds four first-round picks over the next two drafts, giving them the leverage to make a competitive offer. Prospects like Matthew Poitras and Dean Letourneau could be part of a potential deal.
The Philadelphia Flyers have Rasmus Ristolainen on the market, and while the Bruins have shown some interest, their reluctance to part with a first-round pick makes a deal unlikely. Winger Owen Tippett is another player the Bruins have inquired about, but prying him away from Philadelphia would require a significant offer.
The Bruins are open to moving defenseman Mason Lohrei, who could be a key piece in balancing the books for any potential trade. Similarly, Victor Arvidsson might be asked to waive his no-movement clause if needed to facilitate a deal.
Boston was very active at last year's trade deadline, and it looks like they're gearing up for another busy period. This time, however, they're approaching it from the buyer's side, ready to make strategic moves to strengthen their playoff push.