Bruins Targeting these Five Players at Deadline
While every team is preparing to put together trades in order to make their teams as strong as possible coming out of the trade deadline, other teams are looking at what they can sell off to think for the future. The Bruins are looking to get better, not sell. In a tight playoff race, there aren't many teams that are flat out not able to catch back up into the playoff race, so the trade deadline will be remarkable to see who is moved and who is not, and which teams decided to sell or decided to compete until the end.
It's always fun to bring in that 30 goal scorers to light up the scoreboard, but if the Bruins are being honest with themselves, their biggest need is depth defense. Here are 5 targets of the Bruins who will definitely boost their defense and should be available:
1. Noah Hanifin
2023-24 Stats 53 games, 9 goals 20 assist.
The flashiest and best defenseman available this deadline is Flames Defenseman Noah Hanifin. He is a Boston Native and could be a number one defenseman on most teams. This seems like a long shot considering what it will take to get him, definitely Jake DeBrusk and their number one pick next year. The Flames would have to retain some salary as the Bruins have very little cap space even with trading away DeBrusk. But Hanifin could be worth it as his 1.17 points per 60 minutes at 5-5 is his second-best rating in his career.
2. Jake Middleton
2023-24 Stats: 52 games, 7 goals, 11 assists
Middleton while not as flashy as Hanifin is a very solid top four defenseman, who comes cheaper than Hanifin as well. He is a workhouse, playing top pair minutes, kills penalties, blocks shots and plays a physical style which Boston sorely needs. He also would not be a rental, with another year on his contract, which might make his cost a little higher.
3.Joel Edmonson
2023-24 Stats: 35 games, 1 goal, 2 assists.
Edmunson fits the physical style the Bruins are looking for and he is cheap. The Capitals are nowhere near the powerhouse they used to be and selling off expiring contracts and bring back some assets seems like the way to go. Edmundson has a ton of playoff experience and could fit on a bottom pairing with the Bruins.
4. Ilya Lyubushkin
2023-24 Stats: 48 games, 0 goals, 4 assists
Another defenseman who would bring snarl and physical style. He kills penalties, loves to hit and block shots. He has 91 hots this year along with 122 blocked shots.
5. Nick Seeler, Philadelphia Flyers
2023-24 Stats: 54 games, 0 goals, 8 assists
Seeler says he wants to stay in Philly, but Philly insists they are still rebuilding which could mean Seeler could be on his way out while his value is at an all-time high. He is excellent from the left side, blocks shots and plays the penalty kill. He has been a diamond in the rough for the Flyers and if they decide to sell the Bruins should be calling!
| POLL | ||
14 FEVRIER | 255 ANSWERS Bruins Targeting these Five Players at Deadline Do you want to see the Bruins Prioritize Defense at the Deadline? | ||
| Yes | 173 | 67.8 % |
| No | 82 | 32.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
