Bruins Top Trade Target Dealt to Canucks

The player at the top of the Boston Bruins trade list has been dealt to the Vancouver Canucks. Where do the Bruins go now?

Four weeks prior to the trade deadline, one of the biggest fish on the market has been traded. The Calgary Flames traded center Elias Lindholm Wednesday night to the Vancouver Canucks.

The full trade consists of Vancouver receiving Lindholm in exchange for forward Andrei Kuzmenko, a 2024 first round pick, defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz, defenseman Joni Jurmo, and a conditional 4th round pick.

Lindholm, 29, is having a bit of a down year with 32 points in 49 games. However, many believe that with great players around him, he has the opportunity to excel. It doesn't hurt he is excellent defensively as well. TSN had Lindholm listed at #1 on their Trade Bait board. Lindholm now will have a top-six role on a young, exciting Canucks roster, hungry to make some noise come playoff time. 

The Bruins were considered one of the favorites to acquire the Swede. Now, with Lindholm off the table, where might the Bruins pivot?

As mentioned in a previous Hockey News article, Sean Monahan seems to be the next best option who could be dealt by the deadline. Monahan, also 29 years old, is having a revival sort of season with the Montreal Canadiens. The forward has 35 points in 49 games. The two-way center would slot very nicely in a 3rd-line center type of role with Boston.

Adam Henrique would also be a viable option. With the Ducks in full rebuild mode, the expectation is for them to sell big pieces of their team, including Henrique and goaltender John Gibson. Henrique is in the final year of a 5-year, $29.125 million deal with a salary hit of $5.825 million this season. 

Should the Bruins choose a younger option, Jack Roslovic of the Columbus Blue Jackets could also be a route the Bruins could attempt to pursue. The 27-year-old center will be a UFA after the season, currently making $4 million this year. 

Roslovic has lots of skill and while the Blue Jackets have not been able to unlock his full potential after acquiring him for Pierre-Luc Dubois a couple years ago, he could have the chance to make an impact for the Bruins should they look into him.

All in all, the Bruins will miss out on the top target at the deadline. It remains to be seen what direction they go in next.

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