The Boston Bruins find themselves in a unique and somewhat unusual position as they navigate the post-Jim Montgomery era. Although they currently hold the Wild Card spot and sit just five points out of first place in the Atlantic Division, the Bruins are nowhere near where they hoped they would be at this stage of the season. After a 47-win, 109-point campaign last year, the Bruins made a significant move in free agency to push for a deeper playoff run. This included signing Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov while committing to Jeremy Swayman as the team's No. 1 goalkeeper. However, the Bruins started the season in a dire situation, playing so poorly that Montgomery was eventually relieved of his duties. In response, reports quickly surfaced that the team was looking to shake up the roster, focusing more on adding power forward.
Interestingly, the New York Rangers find themselves in a similar situation to the Bruins, albeit in a stronger position. The Rangers currently hold the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference with 25 points, although they have played fewer games than the three teams in front of them in the Metropolitan Division. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Rangers are looking at roster changes, with players like Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba reportedly being discussed as potential trade options.
Why Kreider Fits Bruins' Needs
For the Bruins, a player like Kreider could be exactly what the team needs, especially given the timeline they set themselves following the signings of 30-year-old Lindholm and 29-year-old Zadorov. The Bruins are clearly in win mode now and show no interest in a full-on retool or rebuild. Acquiring the 33-year-old Kreider would fit their current goals.
Kreider carries a $6.5 million cap hit this season and the next two seasons. He's no stranger to trade rumors, especially those linking him to the Bruins, largely because of his Massachusetts roots and his physical, Bruins-style approach to hockey. This season, Kreider has scored nine goals in 19 games, though just one in his last six contests. Historically, he has been one of the NHL's most consistent players, with 30 or more goals in the past three seasons, including 39 last season, 36 the year before, and 52 in 2021-22. Additionally, he has posted 75-plus points in two of the past three seasons, with a consistent floor of 20 goals per year.
Finding a 33-year-old signed for 36 years is rarely good. Kreider's age and physical style of play obviously come with risks, however, the Bruins have shown a willingness to commit to players in their 30s, as seen with the recent Lindholm deal. Kreider has also shown no signs of slowing down, making the gamble less difficult.
At $6.5 million annually, his cap hit is also reasonable for a top-six pitcher by today's standards, especially as the salary is expected to continue to rise.
Impact of Probability Planning
If the Bruins can build a top-six roster that includes David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, Pavel Zacha, Charlie Coyle, Lindholm, and Kreider, they will be in better shape sooner than they were entering this season, even if Kreider has to play. out of position on the right side the same way Jake DeBrusk did during his most successful years in Boston. The cost of acquiring Kreider, however, can present challenges. The Rangers are looking for NHL-caliber players who can quickly improve their program, much like the Bruins. Promoting a “hockey trade” is often difficult as both teams need to feel like they are making progress; not promised the future value of prospects or draft picks in exchange for proven talent with two different goaltending teams.
This means Bruins players like Morgan Geekie, Trent Frederic, or Justin Brazeau—and any linebacker other than Charlie McAvoy and possibly Hampus Lindholm—could be part of trade talks. The Bruins also have prospects like Georgii Merkulov and Fabian Lysell, who could sweeten the deal. Trading away key prospects would also commit Boston to short-term success over long-term sustainability, a risky move as they continue to kick the can down the road.
Related: Bruins Coaching Change Could Lead to Oilers & Wild Success
Regardless of what the trade looks like, the Bruins should at least pick up the phone and call the Rangers to see if there is mutual interest in making a deal. The Bruins are 2-0-0 since leaving Montgomery, but this should not stop them from improving the team.
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