The Boston Bruins turn the page and enter the second part of the season. With 41 games left to play in the 2019-20 campaign, the Bruins seek an offensive help to their middle-six forward unit. Who would be the best fit for the Bruins?
Presumably, Boston has to take a look at a lot of options. They need a scoring winger, a right-shooting one, preferably, who can bring some physical presence, as well. On the other note, the Bruins have to take into account their salary cap situation, which is pretty tight, as usual.
One of the most prominent soon-to-be-free agents on the trade market is the New York Rangers star, Chris Kreider. Would the Bruins bite? They have some trade history with Rangers general manager, Jeff Gorton.
However, their trade history with the Rangers isn’t the smoothest one out there. The Bruins sent a heavy package to New York in February 2018 as they acquired Rick Nash. The Nash experiment didn’t work out for Boston as they gave up a first-round draft choice and defensive prospect Ryan Lindgren in the process. Lindgren made his NHL debut with the Rangers this season.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet suggested that the Bruins are one of the teams with interest in Kreider. Friedman added that, despite lots of interest surrounding Kreider, the Rangers had not made their minds up. They are currently well outside of the playoff picture, but the situation may change as the Feb. 24 trade deadline nears.
Kreider would be a seemingly perfect fit for the Bruins. He is physical, scoring winger, although a left-shooting forward. The Bruins have gauged interest in Kreider for years now.
The Massachusetts native has 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points in 39 games this season. The 28-year-old forward has reached a 28-goal plateau in two of his last three seasons. His salary-cap hit of $4,625,000 would be affordable for the Bruins if the Rangers retained, say, 50 percent of his cap hit.
Although nothing is definite or imminent, the Bruins keep an eye on Kreider as they continue scouting the trade possibilities.
