NHL trade rumors: 3 teams who should trade for Oliver Ekman-Larsson
3. Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are likely not going to re-sign left-handed defenseman Torey Krug, who’s going to test free agency. Additionally, there’s a non-zero chance team captain Zdeno Chara has played in his last NHL game. While he is on record saying he wants to return, the uncertainty of the 2020-21 season might change his mind, especially if the season doesn’t start in December as planned.
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If they lose both Chara and Krug, this would leave the Bruins with a huge hole on their left side of the blueline. Matt Grzelcyk and John Moore are their only other left-handed defensemen on the roster. While they have top prospect Urho Vaakanainen, the Bruins simply can’t afford to assume he’ll hold down a roster spot for the entire season.
Ekman-Larsson would make sense for the Bruins should they not bring back Chara or Krug. His $8.25 million cap hit would be a bit pricey, but with very limited options available in free agency, Boston could easily justify going after him. Also, it’s worth pointing out OEL has served as a team captain for the Coyotes and Chara is their captain.
If the Bruins are willing to take on his full contract, they likely won’t have to give up a huge return. A 2021 first-round pick, a prospect, and a roster player might get it done.