The Bruins are in the best possible position as they begin the second half of the season, sitting atop the NHL with a 34-5-4 record and 72 points. The Bruins are deep up and down the lineup with a loaded top nine full of veterans, a solid six defensemen that include two stars on the blue line, and a goaltender having a season worthy of the Vezina Trophy. While this may sound like a team that doesn’t need any further additions, adding depth for a playoff run is essential. It’s also important to get better, as every other contender will be adding pieces as they look to knock the Bruins from the top spot.
The Bruins are no strangers when it comes to making deadline deals, as Don Sweeney is always an active buyer leading up to and on deadline day. This year the NHL trade deadline is set for 3 pm on March 3rd.
General manager Don Sweeney was made available to the media following Saturday’s game and the announcement of Pavel Zacha’s extension. With the deadline less than two months away, Sweeney faced questions about his plans for the team.
Sweeney’s shared his thoughts, as per Scott McLaughlin of WEEI:
”I think we’re deep, but we’re probably going to have to continue to add and supplement. We’re going to try to do our best to put the best team we possibly can.”
It’s clear that Don Sweeney is ready to go all in this season, as the organization’s primary focus is doing whatever it takes to help their aging core win one more Stanley Cup. They are prepared to provide Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Brad Marchand with what it takes to help bring the Cup back to Boston for the first time since 2011.
The Bruins do not need much, as the focus will be on adding a fourth-line winger and a right-handed defenseman. Craig Smith has not been the answer, and with Brandon Carlo’s injury history, especially with concussions, the Bruins need insurance if he goes down. While these are their two glaring needs, Don Sweeney could surprise us all and acquire another big fish like he has the last two years in Taylor Hall and Hampus Lindholm. The Bruins have been linked to Bo Horvat, and he does make sense for this team this season and in the future, but he will cost the Bruins a fortune.
Now that it is confirmed that the Bruins will once again be buyers, it now becomes a waiting game to see what Don Sweeney pulls off as he works the phones looking for a deal or two.
