With the regular season nearly halfway over, the trade deadline is quickly approaching. The Boston Bruins have been one of hockey’s best teams but are expected to be busy at the trade deadline. While they have one of the most dominant top trios in hockey, they could use an upgrade on the second line. David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk have played well, but the Bruins have failed to find a player that consistently contributes on their right wing.
One player that could be of interest to them is Devils forward Kyle Palmieri.
In 39 games this season, Palmieri has 15 goals and 13 assists. He has been a weapon on the power play where the New York native has 11 points, including seven goals. Palmieri currently leads the Devils in points and has the most goals on the team. He also has three game-winning goals, including one in overtime.
Matt Niskanen lays out Jack Hughes and Kyle Palmieri comes to his defense pic.twitter.com/pSegMcSj0s
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) November 1, 2019
With 28 points on the season, Palmieri would have the fifth-most on the Bruins’ roster. He would also have the second-most goals on the man advantage as David Pastrnak leads the Bruins with 14. The veteran is not a free agent until after the next season, meaning he would not just be a temporary solution.
However, due to Palmieri’s talent, he would not be a cheap addition. Since becoming a Devil before the 2014-15 season, Palmieri has had less than 50 points in a season once and never scored fewer than 24 goals. Prying him from New Jersey would most likely cost at least a prospect, draft pick, and a player currently at the NHL level.
While Palmieri is a perennial 25-goal scorer, the Devils are currently second to last in the Eastern Conference. He could be a massive part of their future or bring back significant pieces if he does not intend to resign. Due to the Devils’ current standing, Palmieri will be a popular name in rumor mill over the coming weeks.
Regardless of Palmieri’s fate, he is a player that the Bruins should watch closely leading up to the deadline. They need an impact piece on the second line, and the current Devil certainly fits the profile. General manager Don Sweeney has shown the willingness to be aggressive in the past, and this could be a move that dramatically improves the Bruins’ secondary scoring.
