The NHL’s Commerce Deadline is quick approaching and the Boston Bruins are nonetheless attempting to find out in the event that they’re patrons or sellers. After an offseason that noticed the staff signal Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov to large contracts, it was clear that the expectation for this season was to contend for the Stanley Cup. Given the staff’s efficiency by means of its first 50 video games, nevertheless, this might not be the case.
Regardless of occupying a playoff spot within the Atlantic Division, the Bruins have the worst objective differential within the division (minus-22) and the fifth-worst mark within the NHL. With their short-term future unsure and their course unclear, something is on the desk at this level. Ought to the Bruins determine so as to add at this deadline and intention to compete reasonably than trending in the direction of a rebuild, nevertheless, an fascinating title that they’ve reportedly saved tabs on in current weeks has been Vancouver Canucks ahead J.T. Miller.
Prime insider Frank Seravalli talked about the Bruins because the darkish horse who may very well be desirous about Miller, given their want for a middle with high-end expertise.
“I haven’t heard lots of people speaking in regards to the Boston Bruins, and their want for a top-end heart has been well-documented,” Seravalli mentioned. “We’ve additionally heard Cam Neely, their President of Hockey Operations, trace at the concept that, ‘hey, we would should rejig some issues right here primarily based on the best way that this season has performed out.’”
It’s no secret that the Bruins have required a greater heart group since Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired following the 2022-23 season. This led to the staff signing Lindholm within the offseason, although that deal hasn’t even remotely lived as much as expectation but with the 30-year-old scoring simply eight objectives and 24 factors in 50 video games this season regardless of carrying a $7.75 million annual cap hit and spending most of his time alongside David Pastrnak.
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It’s unsurprising, then, that Seravalli has named the Bruins as an intriguing staff to look at on this state of affairs.
“I do consider that the Boston Bruins have saved very shut tabs on the Miller state of affairs with the Vancouver Canucks,” mentioned Seravalli. “I might time period them as a staff lurking within the weeds proper now to attempt to monitor these costs, and wouldn’t be shocked if this continues to linger on nearer to the March 7 deadline. At the same time as a lot as Vancouver appears motivated and Miller appears able to go, they’re a staff that might stay within the combine.”
Bruins Face Challenges in Buying and selling for Miller
Buying Miller would require the Bruins to shed wage, given his $8 million cap hit by means of 2030. To fulfill this want, they’ll undoubtedly have to maneuver out roster gamers which provides an additional layer of issue to the system. With the Canucks seemingly unwilling to retain a big portion of Miller’s contract, the Bruins must have a look at who they deem expendable in a commerce that wouldn’t make them worse within the quick or long run—a troublesome proposition, particularly mid-season.
If the Bruins stay dedicated to their present timeline, particularly with their offseason signings, then Miller would fall proper consistent with a fast retool for the staff. In 37 video games this season, the veteran has scored eight objectives and 33 factors. In his final three seasons, nevertheless, Miller has proven an elite offensive scoring contact, scoring 32 objectives and 99 factors, 32 objectives and 82 factors, and 37 objectives and 103 factors, respectively. The offensive expertise is plain and his skill to win faceoffs would even be extremely coveted, carrying a 54% profession faceoff win proportion, together with a staggering 59% win fee this season alone.
Miller does carry a no-movement clause (NMC), which converts to a 15-team no-trade checklist within the last three seasons of his deal. Because of this, in addition to different limitations talked about, shifting Miller throughout the season could show to be a tall process for the Canucks. Nonetheless, if the staff is motivated to take action by the Commerce Deadline, there’s no query that it’s throughout the realm of prospects. Balancing wage wants whereas additionally assembly the Canucks’ commerce calls for from a worth perspective shall be a significant problem for the Bruins or any buying staff.
