Rumors are swirling around the Boston Bruins as sources hint that the team is preparing for a significant roster shake-up.
According to an NHL executive who spoke to Jimmy Murphy of RG.com, Bruins GM Don Sweeney is actively scouting potential additions to strengthen Boston’s offense.
It's believed the Bruins are specifically aiming to add, mainly, a top-6 winger and, possibly, a top-6 center.
“He is looking for help, make no mistake about it,” the executive told RG.
The executive emphasized that Sweeney is working on deals that could provide the team with critical scoring support given the woes the squad is suffering in the early season with only 43 goals scored in 17 games, the ninth-fewest in the NHL.
“It’s no secret that he wants a scoring winger for the top-6, but don’t be surprised if he snags another top-6 center,” the executive said.
While a true No. 1 center may be hard to come by if only because that type of player isn't usually available in the trade market, a solid 1B option could be within reach to complement the current lineup.
The executive’s comments come amid a challenging stretch for the Bruins. Following a frustrating 3–2 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, in which the Bruins were out-shot 12-0 in the third period, the team bounced back on Tuesday by beating the St. Louis Blues 3-2.
Boston, however, has still lost more games than it's won sitting at an 8-7-2 record and ranking third in the Atlantic Division with 18 points in 17 games behind the Toronto Maple Leafs (20 points in 17 games) and the Florida Panthers (23 in 16).
Murphy's report includes a few names of potentially available players the Bruins might try to trade for soon, including Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras.
"Numerous sources had confirmed to RG late last week that one team Sweeney was talking to was the Columbus Blue Jackets," Murphy wrote. "However, another NHL source claimed that the Bruins were also talking to the Utah Hockey Club and the Anaheim Ducks.
"With regards to the latter, one player who is once again looking like he may be on the way out in Anaheim is forward Trevor Zegras."
As Murphy points out, Zegras (3 points in 14 games this season) attended Boston University so there's a link between the player and the city that could be brought back to life if the Bruins pull off a trade for the struggling winger.
