With just three victories in February thus far and four straight losses, the Boston Bruins have been in a bit of a rut over the past week. The team’s poor luck hasn’t stopped with the news that defenseman Hampus Lindholm, who was involved in an unpleasant collision during their game against the Dallas Stars on February 19, is out of commission for the next week due to a lower-body injury.
A struggling team like the Boston Bruins would find it difficult to lose Lindholm. With 19 points in 56 games, he is second on the club in average time spent on the ice. Even if he hasn’t performed as well as he did the previous season, he is still a vital member of the team in 2023–24, and his absence creates a gap.
The Bruins’ front management must make a decision on their level of aggressiveness as the trade deadline draws near. Their cap space is quite limited ($57,500, to be exact), so general manager Don Sweeney will need to be resourceful and transfer some of the players who are currently on the roster. The squad will need to make adjustments to the defense by the deadline if Lindholm’s ailment turns out to require more time than anticipated. These are some possible targets that they might find appealing.
Hanifin, Noah
Massachusetts is where Noah Hanifin is originally from. The defenceman, who was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2015 draft, was dealt to the Calgary Flames and has been mentioned as a potential addition. Numerous groups have alreadyshown interest in signing him, among teams being the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Right now, Hanifin is perhaps the best defenseman on the market. He is averaging over 24 minutes of ice time every night, which is equal to Lindholm’s total, and he has 30 points in 56 games played thus far in 2023–24. In addition, the Bruins require a left-shot defenceman, which he provides.
Although he would be a good fit as a target, the real question is whether the Bruins can pay him. He has an eight-team no-trade list (one would think the Bruins are not on that list) thanks to a modified no-trade clause in his six-year deal, which is coming to an end in its final year and worth an average of $4.95 million annually. Should Lindholm decide to proceed LTIR for the remaining games in the regular season, maybe free agent space. However, since he is not in need of surgery, the chance of it occurring is low.
Nevertheless, Sweeney has a history of success at the trade deadline from previous seasons. Even though it will be difficult given their current roster and available space, the Bruins may still be able to get him if they are truly interested in him.
Sean Walker
The Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker might be a desirable addition for the Boston Bruins if he becomes available at the trade deadline. He has 20 points in 50 games this season, which is comparable to Lindholm’s total, and he has a less expensive deal than Hanifin. His average ice time is more than 19 minutes.
One of his problems, though, is that he is a right-shot defenseman, so if he were to be acquired, someone would have to move to their off-side. Nevertheless, he has been playing some excellent, top-four minutes this season on the blue line, and he might support the Bruins in their weakest area by providing depth.
Chris Tanev
Teammate Chris Tanev is another well-known player who might be available before the deadline. He is a right-shot defenseman, just like Walker, therefore in light of Lindholm’s injury, someone would once more need to play on their off-side. However, Tanev appears to be one of the better players available if the Bruins wish to go in on them.
Despite his 12 points in 53 games with the Flames this season, his ability to score has never been his finest suit. Rather, Tanev provides defensive steadiness to the blue line, an area the Bruins have definitely struggled with at times this season.
The 34-year-old naturally carries a larger cap charge than the Bruins presently have room for and has a 10-team no-trade list. Even though his defensive skills are desirable, acquiring him would be difficult. Given his age, Tanev is not someone the Bruins could turn around and sign to a long-term agreement, unlike Hanifin, who would likewise cost a lot to acquire.
Less expensive options for depth
In the end, Sweeney will have a difficult time landing Hanifin, Walker, or Tanev. Though it may end up pricing them out of the market, it is still worthwhile to inquire and attempt to put up a trade deal for these guys.
There are a few more names that might be investigated. They wouldn’t technically take the place of any existing Bruins players, but they would add depth to the club. Considering how many defensemen have been injured this season, it might be wise to at least acquire a defenseman at the deadline. Joel Edmundson is a Washington Capitals blueliner who is a left-shot who generally lines up in the third zone. He is someone to take into consideration. So is Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin
