Don Sweeney and the Boston Bruins have been busy over the last 24 hours as they make additions to improve this lineup from top to bottom. Even with the best record in the NHL, improvements can always be made, and that’s precisely what general manager Don Sweeney is doing.
Yesterday evening the Bruins acquired defenseman Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway from the Washington Capitals. It was a deal that surprised many as there had been no rumors about these two being targeted or the Capitals being sellers. With this trade, the Bruins addressed two significant needs: Orlov, who can slot into the top four on defense, and Hathaway, a bottom-six forward known for being physical, tough, and delivering bone-crushing hits. While adding these two players is a significant improvement for the Bruins, it seems Don Sweeney is not done yet.
Earlier today, it was reported that the Bruins AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, have healthy scratched two of their players as trade talks heat up, and the trade deadline is now exactly a week away. The P-Bruins have healthy scratched defenseman Mike Reilly and forward Jakub Lauko for tonight’s matchup vs. the visiting Charlotte Checkers.
Mike Reilly should be no surprise for fans, as the defenseman cleared waivers earlier this season and has remained in Providence ever since. Reilly also requested a trade earlier this season following his demotion to the AHL. The Bruins have been working on finding a trade partner for the veteran defenseman to clear his contract off the books.
Lauko is the interesting name of the two, as the 22-year-old prospect seemed to be knocking on the door of making himself a part of the Bruins’ bottom six. It makes sense that Lauko’s name is appearing in trade talks as the Bruins are short on draft picks, and Lauko is a talented prospect that could help Boston fetch a veteran player in return. Lauko saw his first NHL action this season as he’s appeared in 11 games scoring one goal and adding two assists.
