As the NHL season approaches Thanksgiving, some teams find themselves in unexpected positions. The St. Louis Blues, currently sitting low in the league standings, appear ready to make significant changes. This situation presents an opportunity for other teams, including the Boston Bruins, to explore potential trades that could address their needs. With the Blues seemingly open for business, two players, in particular, stand out as potential targets for Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney: Jordan Kyrou and Brayden Schenn.
Jordan Kyrou (Right Wing)
The Bruins have been looking for a high-caliber right-winger to complement David Pastrnak. While Morgan Geekie has provided scoring, having another top-tier talent on the top two lines would significantly boost Boston's offensive capabilities. Jordan Kyrou fits this bill.
Kyrou's situation in St. Louis has been turbulent. He has been a healthy scratch and faced criticism from the fanbase. Despite this, his offensive production in recent seasons speaks for itself. Over the past three seasons, Kyrou has averaged impressive numbers, showcasing his ability to score and create plays.
Kyrou is currently in the third year of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $8.1 million. Acquiring Kyrou would require the Bruins to navigate some salary cap challenges. They might need to move existing contracts to make the financials work. Names like Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt have been mentioned as possible trade candidates to create the necessary cap space.
Brayden Schenn (Center)
Brayden Schenn is another player who could be of interest to the Bruins. Schenn is a veteran center with leadership qualities and a history of solid performance. While the Blues have a three-game point streak recently, Schenn has been the subject of trade rumors.
Schenn's contract situation could be a factor. He is 34 years old and no longer has a full no-trade clause, now submitting a 15-team no-trade list. Schenn's experience and two-way play could provide valuable depth and leadership to the Bruins' lineup.
Bruins' Needs and Potential Trade Strategy
The Bruins' identified needs include a top-six goal scorer and defensive upgrades. The team's performance this season will likely dictate their approach to the trade deadline. If they are in contention, they may be more willing to add pieces like Kyrou or Schenn. If the season goes south, they might become sellers, potentially moving players like Pavel Zacha, Andrew Peeke or Casey Mittelstadt.
The Bruins have assets to make trades, including draft picks and young players. They also have some players on their roster who could be attractive to other teams. GM Don Sweeney has shown a willingness to make bold moves in the past, so a deal with the Blues, or other teams, cannot be ruled out.
Ultimately, whether the Bruins pursue Kyrou, Schenn, or other players from the Blues will depend on their assessment of their team's needs and their overall strategy for the season. However, with the Blues seemingly open to making deals, the Bruins should explore these options to improve their roster.
