Boston Bruins Rumors: Sweeney Looking for Defensive Upgrade
Boston Bruins Rumors: GM Don Sweeney is Reportedly Looking for an Upgrade on the Blueline
Boston Bruins rumors kicked off back on Wednesday when GM Don Sweeney announced he was looking for an upgrade on the back end.
Sportsnet broke the news, citing that Boston is seeking “another transitional player on the blueline“.
via Sportsnet,
“We’re looking for balance,” Sweeney said. “We’re also looking for players like Colin Miller to take the next step. We’ve got younger players that will hopefully push, and that’s what you want.
“I’ll explore whatever I have to do, in every way, shape, or form to continue to improve the club and find the blend and the balance that we need.”
Zdeno Chara, 39, has two years remaining on his contract. His play has severely digressed over the past couple of seasons. Dennis Seidenberg, 34, also has two years left on his deal. While his play hasn’t suffered too much, it seems health could be a concern moving forward.
The remaining group consists of Adam McQuaid, 29, with three years remaining on his contract; Kevan Miller, 28, who just signed a four-year extension; Torey Krug, 25, who is a restricted free agent, and should garner a significant pay raise – apparently they’ll pay whatever it costs (where was that attitude last summer with Dougie Hamilton?).
Lastly, rookie Colin Miller who is also a restricted free agent. He should receive a slight short-term pay raise, and hopes are that he can step up and play a big role over the next few years.
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Handedness Breakdown
Left-Handed
Torey Krug
Zdeno Chara
Dennis Seidenberg
Right-Handed
Colin Miller
Adam McQuaid
Kevan Miller
The Bruins could technically target a defender on either side. GM Don Sweeney might be more inclined to lean towards a right-handed defender, unless he has plans for Chara, Seidenberg, or both.
Boston Bruins Rumors: Potential Free Agent Targets
*the following players would need to reach July 1 without a new contract from their current teams
Keith Yandle – LHD
Alex Goligoski – LHD
Jason Demers – RHD
Roman Polak – RHD
Kris Russell – LHD
Related Story: NHL Mock Draft 5.5: 7 Rounds of Prospect Analysis
Don Sweeney can also look to the trade market if necessary. The following are simply targets that could be helpful (disregarding contract clauses):
Boston Bruins Rumors: Potential Trade Targets
Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks – RHD
James Wisniewski, Carolina Hurricanes – RHD
Tyson Barrie, Colorado Avalanche – RHD
Jonas Brodin, Minnesota Wild – LHD
John Moore, New Jersey Devils – LHD
Patrick Wiercioch, Ottawa Senators – LHD
Kevin Shattenkirk, St.Louis Blues – RHD
Jason Garrison, Tampa Bay Lightning – LHD
Next: NHL Weekly Roundup: Latest News and Rumors
As Boston Bruins rumors continue to swirl, who do you think GM Don Sweeney should target via free agency or trade? Do you think the B’s need a left or right-handed shot, and who slides down the depth chart? Could any of Boston’s defensive prospects step up in training camp to earn a roster spot? Let us know what you think.