Bruins Should Prioritize Acquiring Draft Picks in Trades
The Boston Bruins find themselves in an intriguing situation this offseason. Despite being just a year removed from a historic regular season, the team experienced significant roster changes yet managed another strong performance. However, it was evident early on that the Bruins lacked some crucial components needed for a Stanley Cup contention. Any deep playoff run would have been more of a surprise than an expectation. As the Bruins aim to address these gaps and build for the future without any significant drop-off, managing their salary cap will be crucial. However, their draft capital presents a more challenging issue.
The Bruins need to bring in players who can immediately contribute to the roster, whether through free agency, trades, or a mix of both. Additionally, they must develop a future talent pipeline, an area in which they currently lack depth. At present, the team is without first-, second-, third-, and seventh-round picks in 2024 and second- and fourth-round picks in 2025. This shortage of draft capital is the price of past successes. Although the Bruins didn’t secure the ultimate victory, the benefits of these moves were deemed worth the risk in the pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
Given their current position, the Bruins must be strategic in their offseason trades. Acquiring high-impact players is essential, but securing picks in the first two rounds could be equally valuable. Although finding impactful players late in the first round or beyond is challenging, the Bruins’ scouting department has shown a knack for identifying NHL regulars in these spots. Notable examples include Brandon Carlo (37), Jeremy Lauzon (52), Trent Frederic (29), Ryan Lindgren (49), Jeremy Swayman (111), Jakub Lauko (77), Johnny Beecher (30), and Mason Lohrei (58).
General Manager Don Sweeney has excelled in finding value in these spots, but the chances of drafting a legitimate player decrease the longer he has to wait to make a selection. This underscores the need for the Bruins to be inventive in navigating the trade market this offseason.
**Bruins Should Aim for Comprehensive Trade Packages to Address Multiple Needs**
If the Bruins decide to trade Linus Ullmark and break up their exceptional goalie tandem, the return must be substantial. Sweeney should aim for larger trade packages that include a high-end roster player and a first- or second-round draft pick (or a top-tier prospect). However, Ullmark’s modified no-trade clause complicates this. General managers always strive to maximize the value of their trades, making negotiations challenging.
The Bruins are keenly aware that their goaltending situation is their greatest strength. Unfortunately, Ullmark has only one year left on his contract, and Swayman, as a restricted free agent, is due for a significant raise. These factors weigh heavily on the Bruins’ considerations this offseason.
“We’re going to find a landing spot with Swayman, and if we can make the math work, we’re going to have the best tandem,” Sweeney told Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub. “If we can’t, we’re going to explore [options], and for Linus, he may come to us and change his mind, that may occur as well. Right now, we’re very happy to have signed Linus, and in a perfect world, we would keep the tandem because I think it’s damn good. But we’re going to explore opportunities. My phone’s going to ring, I’m going to make calls. That’s just what the job requires.”
Sweeney’s phone will be busy throughout the offseason as he seeks to leverage the team’s strongest position to address other significant needs. Balancing immediate improvements with a long-term vision to avoid a prolonged rebuild is crucial for the Bruins. The goal is to strengthen the current roster while also securing draft picks to ensure a steady influx of talent in the coming years.
The Bruins face a delicate balancing act this offseason. By prioritizing the acquisition of draft picks in trades, they can address immediate needs and build a sustainable future. Strategic and creative moves will be essential as they navigate a complex market and aim to maintain their competitive edge.
