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Could the Boston Bruins be planning a big move?
On Nov. 12, RG.org’s James Murphy cited “a well-placed NHL executive” telling him to “be on the lookout” for a potential shakeup involving the Bruins. Whether that means a trade or a coaching change remains to be seen.
Murphy’s source believes Bruins GM Don Sweeney could be in the market for a top-six winger but could also have his eye on a center. It was rumored the Columbus Blue Jackets had an interest in Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, but they’ve since added Dante Fabbro to their blueline.
The Bruins were off to a stumbling start but improved of late, going 4-1-1 before getting crushed 7-2 by the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Sweeney is probably conducting due diligence to see who’s available in the trade market, but he could stay patient and give his club time to recover.
Meanwhile, John Gibson returned to the Anaheim Ducks lineup earlier this week after being sidelined for six weeks following an emergency appendectomy in early October.
Gibson has frequently surfaced in the NHL rumor mill over the last two seasons. The decline in his play from backstopping the rebuilding Ducks and his average annual value of $6.4 million through 2026-27 makes him a tough sell in the trade market. He also has a 10-team no-trade list.
It was reported last month that Gibson might draw some interest from teams seeking a goaltending upgrade. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the 31-year-old netminder would be willing to shorten his no-trade list but believes the oft-injured netminder must stay in the lineup to build up his trade stock.
Turning to the Toronto Maple Leafs, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston was recently asked by a reader if they would try to add a third-line center this season.
Johnston believes Leafs management could attempt to do so before the March 7 trade deadline. He also didn’t rule out bringing in a center with a term left on their contract, citing their salary-cap flexibility after this season.
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