The Boston Bruins are likely to remain active on the trade market in the coming weeks. Even if the club does nothing before the upcoming roster freeze on February 4, more moves could be on the horizon.
However, the challenging part is figuring out who could be on the way out. The rationale behind the next trade candidate depends on their contractual status.
In that regard, insider Chris Johnston identified the next potential trade candidate for the Bruins. During the January 22 edition of the Chris Johnston show, the notable insider pointed out that impending UFA blueliner Andrew Peeke could be the next trade candidate.
“He’s a pending UFA, very much could see a world where [the Bruins are] trading him – Chris Johnston.”
While the revelation isn’t exactly mind-shocking, it’s interesting that the Bruins would be willing to move on from Peeke. He’s been a steady, if unspectacular, presence for the club. Peeke has logged an average of 19:48 of ice time across 51 games this season. He’s also chipped in four goals and nine points.
Of course, Peeke isn’t an offensive defenseman. He’s a prototypical defensive blueliner who plays a hard-nosed game and provides solid play when it matters most.
That’s precisely what several contending clubs could be looking for in a depth defenseman. That’s also why the Bruins could be willing to move the 27-year-old at the trade deadline. Perhaps Don Sweeney may not be overly eager to trade Peeke, but for the right price, the club may get trigger-happy.
Bruins Should Push to Re-Sign Peeke
The Bruins have had a tumultuous season on the backend, to say the least. They have plenty of issues regarding injuries and inconsistency. Despite those hardships, Peeke has been a welcome source of stability and calm.
So, why not push to re-sign him?
Peeke is currently on the books for $2.75 million this season. As such, re-signing the right-shot blueliner shouldn’t prove prohibitive. While a raise would be in order, his cap hit shouldn’t balloon moving forward.
Perhaps a multi-year deal could help the Bruins keep costs down. It’s a worthwhile investment considering he’s still 27, and Boston’s defense core isn’t exactly the youngest in the league.
Boston Could Still Move Peeke for the Right Price
Despite the Bruins being in the thick of the playoff race, they might still move Peeke for the right price. Plenty of contending clubs are scouring the market for depth defensive help. Peeke would fill that role on a team like the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, or Carolina Hurricanes.
A trade, however, would have to imply an offer the Bruins couldn’t refuse. While it wouldn’t necessarily be a top prospect and a first-round pick, an overwhelming offer involving multiple draft picks could move the needle.
Perhaps landing a roster player with term left on his deal and a sweetener might get the deal across the goal line.
Ultimately, it’s tough to predict what it would take for Don Sweeney to pull the trigger. But the bottom line is that the Bruins aren’t going to sit on their hands at the trade deadline. They’re in a position where, if a deal makes sense, they’ll go for it.
Bruins Next Trade Candidate Identified by Insider