NHL Insider Hints Bruins Linked to Two Key Trade Targets

Meanwhile, Lindholm is available says Weekes and he’s been linked to, and not limited to, primarily the Bruins. He said it is no secret in Bean Town, where the team lost Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Weekes said, “He would be a nice fit there, but cap considerations always a factor. Weekes wasn’t sure if Lindholm actually wanted to re-sign in Calgary or he wants to move along.

So What Would the Bruins and Flames Shakeup Be?

Acknowledging that Weekes didn’t actually say there was a trade in the works, it’s fair to assume he’s hinting Boston is kicking tires on both players. And, it makes a lot more sense to assume they’d like to get these players in for the Bruins’ current playoff run, rather than wait to try and sign both in the offseason.

Considering the cap considerations that Weekes mentioned, there’s really no way the Bruins can add one or both of these players without moving out salary. And, the players they would have to move need to be assets the Flames could see contributing. This is about the now and then later for the Flames.

Jake DeBrusk and Matthew Poitras immediately come to mind when envisioning forwards the Flames might like. However, DeBrusk is a pending UFA and there would either need to be a pre-trade conversation about an extension or the Flames might not want to take the risk of him darting in the summer. The Bruins would like to move Matt Grzelcyk in the deal if the Flames would take the defenseman. There would need to be picks involved as well.

Dealing for one of Hanifin or Lindholm will be tricky enough. Dealing for both would be next to impossible. We saw the Toronto Maple Leafs try with Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev and the numbers just didn’t work. Boston would have to put an enticing package together and figure out the salary, while getting Calgary to retain.