Kyle Ross-Imagn images
Could the Boston Bruins be planning a big move?
On November 12, RG.org’s James Murphy quoted “a well-placed NHL executive” telling him to “be on the lookout” for a potential shakeup involving the Bruins. Whether that means a trade or a coaching change remains to be seen.
Murphy’s source believes Bruins GM Don Sweeney could be in the market for a top-six winger but could also have a center in mind. The Columbus Blue Jackets were rumored to have interest in Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, but they have since added Dante Fabbro to their blueline.
The Bruins got off to a limping start but improved to 4-1-1 of late before being crushed 7-2 by the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Sweeney is likely conducting due diligence to see who is available on the trade market, but he can remain patient and give his club time to recover.
Meanwhile, John Gibson returned to the Anaheim Ducks lineup earlier this week after being sidelined for six weeks following an emergency appendectomy in early October.
Gibson has popped up in the NHL rumor mill frequently over the past two seasons. The decline in his play from holding off the rebuilding Ducks and his average annual value of $6.4 million through 2026-2027 make him a tough sell on the trade market. He also has a 10-team no-trade list.
Last month, it was reported that Gibson could attract some interest from teams looking for a target power upgrade. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the 31-year-old netminder would be willing to trim his no-trade list, but believes the oft-injured netminder should remain in the lineup to build his trade stock.
As for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chris Johnston of The Athletic was recently asked by a reader if they would look to add a third-line center this season.
Johnston believes Leafs management could try to do this before the March 7 trade deadline. He also did not rule out bringing in a center with remaining contract term, citing the flexibility of their salary caps beyond this season.
Get the latest news and trending stories straight to your inbox by subscribing to the Hockey News newsletter here. And share your opinion by commenting below the article on THN.com or via a visit to our forum.
