The Boston Bruins have returned to their winning ways, as they have now won four straight games and five of their last six after losing three straight before the All-Star break. It has been an incredible season for the black and gold, as they have now crossed the 90-point mark in just 56 games. On the season, the Bruins have compiled a 43-8-5 record and 91 points as they close in on 100 points and what they hope will translate to a deep playoff run.
While this team has been next level, especially since the return of Jake DeBrusk from injury, the Bruins can still look to add key pieces to help them down the stretch. While this team does not need much, a few additions to the defense and fourth line will go a long way. The Bruins have seemed to be in on every available player leading up to the trade deadline, as general manager, Don Sweeney has been doing his due diligence. While it’s becoming more apparent that the Bruins will not be acquiring a big name, a few players still make sense, with St. Louis Blues forward Ivan Barbashev being one of them.
The St. Louis Blues have made it very clear that they will be sellers at this year’s trade deadline, as they have already traded away Vladimir Tarasenko to the New York Rangers and Ryan O’Reilly along with Noel Acciari to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It seems the Blues will not stop there, as a handful of other players on their roster have been shopped. According to Andy Strickland of Bally Sports, Don Sweeney has inquired about at least one of them:
“Of all the players on the #stlblues roster, Ivan Barbashev has probably generated the most interest. #NHLBruins among them the very interested.”
The 27-year-old Barbshev is having a down year after setting career highs last season with 26 goals, 34 assists, and 60 points. Even though he may not come close to those career highs, he has still been able to produce ten goals, 18 assists, and 28 points this season, which would be a welcomed addition to the Bruins’ third or fourth line. Barbshev is in the final year of his contract, carrying a $2.25 million cap hit as he is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of this season.
What makes Barbashev even more interesting is that Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery has history with the forward, as he was the assistant coach for the Blues before coming to Boston. If the Bruins decide to acquire him, Montgomery would know where to perfectly slot the winger in to get the most out of him.
The price for acquiring Barbashev wouldn’t be too extreme, as David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has previously reported that the asking price is a second-round pick and a prospect.
It’s anyone’s guess as to what Don Sweeney will do with the trade deadline now less than two weeks away, but after seeing other Eastern Conference contenders go all in, especially the Maple Leafs and Rangers, expect Sweeney to get some deals done.
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Barbashev and schenn if they cant get chychrun and bjugstad please and thank you.