The Bruins are only two points back of the second wild card spot in the NHL playoff picture, but with the trade deadline approaching, Boston’s front office won’t be overplaying their hand to get the franchise there.
USA Today’s Mike Brehm predicts the Bruins to be uncharacteristically cautious with several key defensemen, like Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, out for an extended period.
“Hampus Lindholm probably won't return this season and fellow top four defenseman Charlie McAvoy suffered a significant shoulder injury at the 4 Nations Face-Off. As a result, the usually aggressive Bruins will probably ‘take a much more cautious approach,’ general manager Don Sweeney said earlier in the week,” Brehm wrote.
“Pending unrestricted free agent Trent Frederic's offensive numbers have dropped, but his rugged style is a plus during the playoffs. He left Tuesday's game with an injury.
“Captain Brad Marchand is also a pending UFA, though both sides say they hope he can be a Bruin for life.”
Marchand has not received the same level of star treatment under Sacco as he did previously. While Marchand has been a good sport about it, it’s fair to wonder if a new regime would consider implementing a new captain, as his contract expires after the season. Frederic’s free agency may come down to dollars and sense.
The 4 Nations Face-Off was a disastrous international tournament for interim head coach Joe Sacco. The Medford, Massachusetts native is now coaching for his future following Jim Montgomery’s firing in November.
If he can lead a respectable run down the stretch that ends in a ninth-straight playoff berth, perhaps the franchise will make him the permanent head coach. Failing to reach the Bruins’ modern standard, even without much help from the front office at the trade deadline, could result in Sacco’s exit.
