The NHL Trade Deadline is just around the corner. The last chance to make a move to bolster the roster will be on Monday, Feb. 24. Until then, anything can happen. For the Boston Bruins, their main priority will be acquiring a winger before entering the playoffs.
However, some have suggested that the Bruins might look at the possibilities of upgrading their defensive corps. Who might the Bruins eye when scouting the defensemen’s trade market?
As per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Bruins are among those interested in the veteran defenseman Brenden Dillon from the San Jose Sharks. Six teams have interest, while the Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes appear to be in the strongest pursuit.
What would it cost the Bruins to acquire a veteran rearguard like Dillon? Probably a second-round draft choice and/or a prospect.
Would it make sense for the Bruins? Dillon’s salary cap hit is $3.9 million until the rest of this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The Bruins would need to shed some salary first. What about sending John Moore to San Jose in such a trade? Moore is a 29-year-old, same as Dillon, and both are left-shot defensemen. Dillon is not coming to Boston to sit behind Zdeno Chara, Torey Krug, Matt Grzelcyk, and Moore on the left side of the defense.
Dillon has one goal and 11 assists in 51 games this season. Besides, the 29-year-old blue-liner has provided 158 hits this season. He would easily lead all the current Bruins players in the hit department. The Bruins are mainly scouting this possibility because they seek a physical boost in their lineup. The third pair of Kevan Miller and Dillon would be tough to bear down come the playoff time.
Nevertheless, the Bruins should still rather focus on trading for a forward, preferably a right-winger. However, adding a physical aspect along getting rid of three more years of Moore’s contract worth $2.75 million per season is also something to consider for Boston.
