The Boston Bruins, fresh off their 7-game homestand, going 2-5, are starting their west coast road trip. This will be a test for them and could drive the front office to make a decision as to what to target at the trade deadline. Defense has been at the forefront for the Bruins, and they have been linked to the best defenseman available at the deadline for most of the season. However, it now seems they will have stiff competition for him.
Noah Hanifin of the selling Calgary Flames will be traded at the deadline as he is sure to bring back the rebuilding Calgary a huge haul. The Bruins have wanted him all season, but now it seems their biggest division rival and the team right behind them in the standings are also going after Hanifin, the Florida Panthers.
So far this season, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals, 30 total points, a +10 plus/minus rating, and 80 blocked shots across 55 games played.
He would change the landscape of any team and could put the Bruins over the top as the most unstoppable team in the league. The Bruins have shown they can beat the best, with recent wins over the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars. Adding Hanifin would be a huge step forward if they can extend him and not have him be a rental player.
