Bruins & Wild Emerging as Potential Trade Partners
The Bruins' blue line needs more bite, and they have two clear trade targets from the Wild because of it.
While on NESN earlier this week, Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney made it clear that he wants to add more toughness to the club's roster before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline passes.
Here is what Sweeney had to say on the matter: "There’s the physical part of the game that we’re lacking at times. Maybe we’d like to try and address that. We’ve tried to use our depth throughout the organization. A lot of guys have done a tremendous job in that regard, but we may have to look to the outside to find some."
There's no question that the Bruins could use more bite, especially for the postseason. When looking at potential clubs who have options that would provide Boston with that, the Minnesota Wild stand out significantly.
Jake Middleton would be an ideal addition for the Bruins. The 6-foot-3 defenseman is not only among the toughest players in the league, but he is reliable defensively and can chip in a bit offensively in the process.
If the Bruins acquired Middleton from Minnesota, he would provide the Bruins' left side with a notable boost. He would work on their second pairing or third pairing and would be an obvious choice for their penalty kill.
Middleton, 28, has appeared in 60 games this season, posting seven goals, 20 points, 68 penalty minutes, 125 blocks, and 123 hits. He is also under contract until the end of next season, meaning he would be more than a rental.
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However, the Bruins also have a veteran depth defenseman from the Wild in Zach Bogosian, whom they could consider. While adding him would not be as big of a splash as bringing in Middleton, he would still give Boston more of the bite that they are looking for.
If acquired, Bogosian would give the Bruins another option for the right side of their bottom pairing. Furthermore, he would be easy for them to afford, as he has an $850,000 cap hit.
In 45 games this season, Bogosian has one goal, eight assists, and 79 hits.