Mikael Granlund could be Bruins' trade deadline target
Mikael Granlund could be Bruins' trade deadline target
Whether it be the wing or center, the Boston Bruins need and are looking for an upgrade before the trade deadline this season. It is known that they were in on Elias Lindholm, but wanted a similar sign-and-trade that they got with Hampus Lindholm and the Anaheim Ducks. Since that wasn't on the table, they were out on Lindholm and now have to look elsewhere.
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Once again the Bruins are defying expectations and are first in the Eastern Conference with 74 points, also ranking them second in the league. To not have a repeat of last season when their PDO dropped back to league average and the team seems to underperform in the playoffs, they need to shore up their forward lines.
The forward group looks like it could use an injection. This may very well come from the San Jose Sharks as they are rebuilding and will be sellers this season.
It may be anywhere in the middle-six, but Mikael Granlund should start to get some attention from the Bruins. He was a deadline mistake last season for the Pittsburgh Penguins and didn't fit in there. He has bounced back in a big way for the 31st place Sharks and is serving as their number one center.
The Bruins are looking past just bringing in an upcoming UFA since they tried to get Lindholm for longer, so Granlund having an extra year left on his deal is better for them. With limited cap space, the Sharks would have to retain, but for a bit of a better asset coming their way, that should be no problem.
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Granlund is recently back after missing a month of action, but the 31-year-old has five goals and 29 points in 39 games. His playmaking ability is strong and he is a threat on both the power play and penalty kill. He would be a well worth addition that can move around and succeed with lesser talent if need be as he's done in San Jose. Keep an eye on him as we approach the trade deadline.
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