The Boston Bruins find themselves in an unusual and rather unfamiliar situation as they navigate the post-Jim Montgomery era.
Despite currently holding a Wild Card slot and being only five points behind first place in the Atlantic Division, the Bruins are not where they expected to be at this time in the season. Following a 47-win, 109-point season last year, the Bruins made substantial free-agent moves to position themselves for a deeper playoff run.
These included signing Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, as well as committing to Jeremy Swayman as the team’s starting goaltender. However, the Bruins began the season in mediocrity, performing so poorly that Montgomery was eventually stripped of his duties. In response, reports surfaced that the organization was trying to freshen up its lineup, with a particular emphasis on recruiting a power forward.
Interestingly, the New York Rangers find themselves in a similar situation as the Bruins, albeit in a stronger position. Despite playing fewer games than the three clubs ahead of them in the Metropolitan Division, the Rangers presently have 25 points and are in first place in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers are considering roster adjustments, with players such as Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba being mentioned as possible trade targets.
Why Kreider Fits the Bruins’ Needs
A guy like Kreider could be just what the Bruins need, especially given their self-imposed deadline following the acquisitions of the soon-to-be 30-year-old Lindholm and the 29-year-old Zadorov. The Bruins are definitely in win-now mentality, with no interest in a complete retooling or rebuild. Acquiring the 33-year-old Kreider would be consistent with their immediate ambitions.
Kreider has a $6.5 million cap charge this season and for the next two seasons. He is no new to trade speculations, particularly those linking him to the Bruins, owing to his Massachusetts heritage and his rugged, Bruins-style approach to hockey. This season, Kreider has nine goals in 19 games, with only one in his last six. Historically, he has been one of the NHL’s most consistent players, scoring 30 or more goals in each of the last three seasons, including 39 last season, 36 the previous year, and 52 in 2021-22. Furthermore, he has scored 75 or more points in two of the last three seasons, with a steady floor of 20 goals per year.
Getting a 33-year-old signed till age 36 is rarely optimal. Kreider’s age and rugged playing style definitely pose dangers, but the Bruins have demonstrated a willingness to commit to players in their 30s, as evidenced by Lindholm’s recent contract. Kreider has yet to show notable symptoms of degeneration, making the risk less scary.
At $6.5 million per year, his cap hit is also quite fair for a top-six forward in today’s market, especially with the salary cap’s predicted rise.
Potential Lineup Impact
If the Bruins can put together a top-six lineup that includes David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, Pavel Zacha, Charlie Coyle, Lindholm, and Kreider, they will be in a much better position than they were at the start of the season, even if Kreider must play out of position on the right side, as Jake DeBrusk did during his most successful years in Boston. However, the cost of purchasing Kreider may pose a hurdle. Like the Bruins, the Rangers are looking for NHL-caliber players who can immediately strengthen their lineup. Facilitating “hockey trades” is often tough since both teams must believe they are progressing; it is not guaranteed future value of prospects or draft picks in return for established players, and the two teams have different ambitions.
This implies Bruins’ players such as Morgan Geekie, Trent Frederic, or Justin Brazeau—along with just about any defender outside of Charlie McAvoy and perhaps Hampus Lindholm—could be part of trade conversations. The Bruins also have prospects like Georgii Merkulov and Fabian Lysell, who might help sweeten the deal. Trading away important prospects would further commit Boston to short-term success at the expense of long-term sustainability, which is a risky move because they always kick the can down the road.
Regardless of the nature of the trade, the Bruins should at the very least contact the Rangers to see if there is any mutual interest in making a transaction. The Bruins are 2-0-0 since leaving Montgomery, but that shouldn’t stop them from improving the team.
