The Boston Bruins’ approach to the trade deadline remains unclear with the team entering the 4 Nations Face-Off break sitting just one point outside of the postseason picture with a 27-24-6 record and tied for third in the Eastern Conference's wild-card race.
NHL insider Chris Johnston suggested on Monday, appearing on TSN's OverDrive, that the Bruins could be “somewhat of a selling team” leading up to March 7.
Johnston noted that Boston may explore trading some key players, most likely pending unrestricted free agents, including captain Brad Marchand.
“I think a big one for me is Boston,” Johnston said. “I really think that they could go down the road where, potentially, they’re looking at being somewhat of a selling team.”
Regarding Marchand, Johnston said a trade “can’t be entirely ruled out.”
“At this point, I have no reason to believe that they're going to do that, but I don't think it can be entirely ruled out,” Johnston said.
Marchand, 36, is in the final season of an eight-year, $49 million contract and is second among Bruins players in goals (20), assists (24), and total points (44) through the first 57 games of the season.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggested on the Feb. 1 episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast that Marchand’s availability could depend on Boston’s performance from then to the trade deadline.
“If Boston takes on water I’m really gonna be curious to see where this goes,” Friedman said. “There was a time in this year where I didn’t think there was a chance that Marchand was going to be out, and I think now it’s not as certain depending on what happens here.”
Marchand discussed the trade speculation on Jan. 31 after a 6-2 loss to the Jet, admitting he "has no control" over the decisions made by the franchise.
“I’m not really worried about what’s being said in the media,” Marchand said. “At the end of the day, they’re going to make the decisions for the group they feel are necessary. ... I have no control over that.”
Beyond Marchand, Johnston mentioned Brandon Carlo and Trent Frederic as potential trade chips if the Bruins decide to retool. Other Bruins on expiring deals making at least $1 million this season are forwards Morgan Geekie and Oliver.
