Newsletter Signup
Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com
8 forwards the Bruins could target before NHL trade deadline
The Bruins could target a tone-setter on the fourth line, or even a top-six stalwart.
We’ve officially reached crunch time on the NHL calendar.
The NHL trade deadline is set for 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon, but it seems like GMs across North America didn’t get that memo.
As of Wednesday evening, several key deals have already been struck across the league, while more trade whispers have hovered over a Bruins team potentially looking to bolster their roster ahead of another playoff push.
Of course, it’s a task easier said for Don Sweeney and the Bruins — given Boston’s limited cap space and dearth of assets.
After diving into eight possible trade targets on the blue line, let’s assess eight potential forwards that Boston could target before Friday’s deadline.
Elias Lindholm, Vancouver Canucks
“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in” – Don Sweeney, probably.
Advertisement:
The Bruins’ pursuit of a proven top-six center subsided earlier this winter, especially after the Canucks sent a haul to the Flames to pry Lindholm out of Calgary.
But with Vancouver reportedly in the hunt for Penguins winger Jake Guentzel, the Canucks are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the pending free-agent pivot. Boston, who was reportedly in the running for the 29-year-old forward before he ended up in Vancouver, could view Lindholm as an immediate upgrade and a foundational piece for the future if he inks a long-term extension.
One of the better two-way centermen in the NHL for years now, Lindholm has surpassed the 60-point threshold three times in his career, while finishing second in voting for the 2021-22 Selke Trophy behind Patrice Bergeron.
Advertisement:
Beyond his steady defensive play and offensive contributions, Lindholm’s proficiency when it comes to faceoffs (56.0% faceoff percentage in 2023-24, 53.4% for his career) would be welcomed on a Bruins team that has struggled to execute in that area of the game all season long.
Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres
Another ambitious add for the Bruins, Tuch is a legitimate top-six forward with size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and term (signed through 2026 at $4.75 million cap hit). The 27-year-old wing and former BC stalwart scored 79 points last season and has posted 55 points (17 goals, 23 assists) for a lackluster Sabres team this year.
Granted, Tuch’s affordable deal makes him an asset that the Sabres might want to hold on to, and it seems unlikely that Buffalo would want to deal him within the division. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted earlier this week that Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams rebuffed requests to talk deals revolving around Tuch — with Friedman speculation that the Rangers and Bruins were the teams calling. Definitely something worth monitoring, especially in the coming years.
Tyler Toffoli, New Jersey Devils
If the Devils are indeed interested in a potential deal involving Linus Ullmark, a top-six winger on an expiring deal like Toffoli could be a possible target for Boston. The Bruins were linked to Toffoli in 2020 before he was eventually traded from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and the 31-year-old’s scoring touch would be welcomed in Boston. He’s already lit the lamp 26 times this season in New Jersey and has two 30-goal campaigns on his resume.
Reilly Smith, Pittsburgh Penguins
After selling off Smith at his lowest value in 2015, the Bruins might want to try a re-do with the 32-year-old winger this season. Smith was a key cog for the Vegas Golden Knights for six seasons, recording 286 points in 399 career games in the desert and helping the 31st NHL squad win its first Stanley Cup last June.
Smith, who recorded 56 points last season with Vegas, has seen his numbers dip this year with a lackluster Penguins team (11 goals, 18 assists in 54 games). But a change of scenery could help Smith out, while his stout two-way game and PK prowess could be coveted on a Bruins team in need of both some scoring punch and some D-zone fortitude.
Nic Dowd, Washington Capitals
If the Bruins are looking for a lift on the fourth line who can add some defensive fortitude, Dowd is the type of veteran worth investing in. While Jesper Boqvist’s speed has added an interesting dynamic to Boston’s checking unit, the 33-year-old Dowd has strong D-zone numbers under taxing minutes, is solid in faceoffs (52.1% over six seasons in Washington), and can chip in offensively (eight goals, 16 points in 45 games).
He may not be a bruiser further down the depth chart, but Dowd does check off several boxes for a Bruins team who might be looking to upgrade that area of the roster.
Anthony Duclair, San Jose Sharks
A 31-goal scorer back in 2021-22, Duclair’s value has waned a bit after suffering a torn Achilles in June 2022. But the 28-year-old wing delivered for the Panthers during their run to the Stanley Cup Final last spring — posting 11 points in 20 playoff games.
Even on a dreadful Sharks team, the speedy skater has scored 16 goals in 56 games in 2023-24. A pending free agent, Duclair offers good value with just a $3 million cap hit.
Brandon Duhaime, Minnesota Wild
Duhaime is the type of fourth-line skater that is valued in today’s NHL. The Providence College alum is a straight-line speedster, relentless forechecker, and wreaks havoc whenever he hops over the boards.
He may not be an O-zone threat (four goals, eight points in 62 games), but Duhaime is a tone-setter who is poised to do plenty of damage if he lands with a Cup contender by the end of the week. In just 193 career NHL games, Duhaime has racked up 502 hits.
Pat Maroon, Minnesota Wild
Another potential fourth-line option who the Wild might want to field offers for this week, Maroon is cut from a different cloth than Duhaime. While his teammate on the Wild is a speedy skater, Maroon might be valued as a trade chip thanks to his imposing frame (6-foot-3, 234 pounds), affordable contract ($1 million cap hit), and winning track record (three Stanley Cup victories).
Even at 35 years old, Maroon has been a productive contributor this season with the Wild — scoring four goals and posting 16 total points over 49 games. It’s worth noting that Maroon is currently sidelined due to back surgery, but is expected to return to the ice later this month.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com