Bruins president teases big move to bolster center position

Haggerty highlighted two prime candidates who could be a good fit for the Bruins — Elias Lindholm of the Calgary Flames and Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets. Both players boast extensive experience and have shouldered first-line responsibilities for their respective teams. Additionally, they are pending unrestricted free agents next summer, which could make them attractive trade targets.

As per Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun, the Bruins like the idea of Mark Scheifele, but they might like the idea of Elias Lindholm better. Billeck writes:

While moving on from Scheifele, who was attached at the hip with Wheeler for much of their time together in Winnipeg, still seems likely, it may have to wait as well. It’s possible Boston could enter the picture at some point. They likely have their eyes focused on what Elias Lindholm decides in Calgary first.

As for what it would take to get either player, the biggest carrot the Bruins have to dangle is one of their goaltenders. Arbitration filings for Boston and Jeremy Swayman came in on Friday with the team submitting a $2M offer and the player coming in at $4.8M. It will be intriguing to see how this process unfolds and if there are any hard feelings when this case is ultimately settled or awarded.

If the Bruins keep Swayman, is there a chance they move Vezina Trophy-winner Linus Ullmark?

If not a goaltender, the most likely name to be offered up could be defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. The Flames might be interested in him, especially if they need to replace pending UFA defenseman Noah Hanifin.

Are the Bruins in panic mode to do this now?

Time will tell if any of these assets are enough to land a top center from either the Flames or the Jets. If not, there is a possibility that the team might wait until next year’s trade deadline if they believe they can remain competitive and in the playoff race until then.

As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Boston’s front office to see how they navigate the trade market and solidify their roster for the upcoming season. Do they pull the trigger now? Or, do they think they’re good enough to hold off on a big move until later in the season?