We’re less than 48-hours away from the NHL’s trade deadline and Bruins general manager Don Sweeney made his first—and hopefully not last—move of deadline season.
On Saturday the Bruins sent Urho Vaakanainen, John Moore, a 2022 first-round draft pick and second-round picks in 2023 and 2024 to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Hampus Lindholm and defenseman Kodie Curran.
The Ducks will also retain 50% of Lindholm’s salary, giving the Bruins some flexibility when it comes to making more additions before Monday’s deadline.
Lindholm has five goals and 17 assists through 61 games this season.
It’s a much needed addition for the Bruins, patching up a hole on their blueline and adding a legitimate top-four defenseman to the mix.
The 28-year old Lindholm is an unrestricted free agent at year’s end, but according to reports the Bruins have already been in contact with Lindholm’s camp about a contract extension.
According to
Cap Friendly the Bruins have just over $1M in cap space, equivalent to $5M in non-prorated cap space on Trade Deadline day.
In year’s past, Sweeney has been hesitant about moving his first-round draft picks. Today shows the Bruins see themselves as Stanley Cup contenders and are willing to make to the moves to get there.
The Bruins were in on Flyers forward Claude Giroux who today was traded to the Florida Panthers, however, Giroux would not accept a trade to Boston.
Now, it’s up to Sweeney to go and fill the holes at forward, most notably a second-line center.
Being able to acquire Lindholm without moving any of the Bruins shallow prospect pool was nice. But without a first round pick in 2022, he’ll likely have to move one, or, a first-round pick in 2023 to acquire a forward.
It’ll surely be an interesting two days.
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