The Boston Bruins have a significant need for a top-six center. The free agent market is a touch light, since 34-year-old Steven Stamkos is the star and will most likely stay in Tampa. Elias Lindholm of Vancouver has been a target of Boston General Manager Don Sweeney since the trade deadline last season, but the 28-year-old’s play has recently declined, making his market value uncertain. The Bruins’ ability to fill this void remains to be seen.
However, another unexpected hole could exist on defense. Hampus Lindholm, the Bruins’ left shot defenseman, has been locked up for many years, and Mason Lohrei showed promise as a rookie. Parker Wotherspoon, who re-signed for a one-year contract worth $800,000 last season, is expected to be the third pair blueliner. Beyond that, Boston could use more depth on the left side. The right side appears to be stable, with Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Andrew Peeke.
The Boston Bruins are reportedly interested in Los Angeles Kings defenseman Matt Roy. Bruins blogger Jimmy Murphy recently reported that an NHL source stated that Boston considered a deadline deal for Roy involving goaltender Linus Ullmark. If the Kings do not re-sign Roy, Boston may renew interest in the incoming unrestricted free agency.
Roy has five goals and 20 assists this season, with a plus-21 rating. In 2015, the seventh-round draft pick delivered 152 hits and blocked 197 shots. Only McAvoy had more blacked shots for the Bruins, and Roy’s hit total would have ranked fourth on the team. The physicality would appeal to Boston, since they appear to be more physical near the blue line. Roy is also a good penalty killer who blocks shots, which would help Boston compensate for the loss of unrestricted free agent Derek Forbort.
On the surface, right-shot defense does not appear to be a necessity for the Bruins, and it is difficult to estimate the value of a new contract for Roy, but it appears to be a solid fit. Time will tell if the Bruins finally make a trade for the Michigan native.
