The Boston Bruins are reportedly showing interest in New York Ranger’s defenseman Ryan McDonagh and winger Rick Nash as the Feb. 26 trade deadline draws closer.
While the Bruins would surely love to add both McDonagh and Nash before the deadline, the price is steep as both players are big names that will help any team make a playoff push.
This is the first major news we have heard from the relatively quiet Bruins hot stove, so it’s important to take a look at both potential additions and see what they can bring to this already hot Bruins team.
McDonagh, a sturdy and time tested defenseman, would bring a much-needed boost to the Bruin’s defense.
Specifically, the Bruin’s would be adding a player who is reliable and can log a solid number of minutes. In addition to his skills on the ice, McDonagh’s overall experience in the league would contrast the largely fresh-faced Boston Bruins team. As the Bruins appear to be on a crash course to the playoffs, one could see why the team has interest in McDonagh, as the Ranger’s defenseman has played in 96 career playoff games in eight seasons.
The added benefit that McDonagh would bring to the Bruins would surely come with a hefty cost. McDonagh is the Ranger’s team captain and has received votes for the Norris Trophy—an award given to the best all-around defensive player in the league—five times in his career. With that, the Rangers have made clear that they are in no hurry to deal McDonagh. It could be more beneficial to the Rangers to hold on to their team captain until the upcoming draft, in which they could get an even bigger reward for their star defenseman.
While a veteran defenseman would benefit the Bruins, it would also make sense for them to target the NHL’s hottest potential trade acquisition of the year in Nash.
The Rangers, who sit at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, are looking to rebuild their team and selling off Nash would be a great place to start.
Nash would bring even more offensive power to an already potent Bruin’s offense. At 33-years-old, Nash could bring second or third line ability to the Bruins in addition to his overall experience in the league. Nash has scored 17 goals in 56 games this season and could bring serious power to the left or right side of the ice.
With a combined 23 years in the league, it’s safe to assume that the Bruins’ interest in McDonagh and Nash stems from their experience and veteran status.
As a team that is filled with young guys, it’s imperative for the Bruins to add experience if they hope to make a deep playoff run. In addition to adding experience, it looks like the Bruins want to add a slight boost to their offense. McDonagh, while a defenseman, still has 26 points this season, only one less than Rick Nash’s 27.
The top of the pack in the Eastern Conference is looking to acquire new talent for a playoff push, as both the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning are reportedly interested in Ryan McDonagh. As of yet, neither team has submitted an offer that is worth the Ranger’s considering.
More interesting than the battle of those top two teams is the one for Rick Nash, who is the key trade needed for the Ranger’s to make in order to start their rebuild. The team asked Nash to submit a list of 12 teams that he would like to be traded to; which is believed to include the Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, and Toronto Maple Leafs. While no one is certain of the teams on Nash’s list, it seems as if everyone is interested in the Ranger’s winger, who has received interest from the Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Bruins by no means need to add another piece as they sit just three points behind the Lightning with two games in hand. Despite that, it will be interesting to see what the Bruins do as the team has been quiet so far, even as the trade deadline approaches.
