Bruins Trade Bait: Is Matthew Poitras the Key to Landing a Top-Six Upgrade?
The Boston Bruins are shifting gears at the trade deadline. After being sellers last season, they’re now firmly in buyer mode, aiming to bolster their roster for a playoff push. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the focus is on acquiring a top-six forward and a right-shot defenseman.
Poitras as a Trade Chip
While the necessitate for offensive and defensive reinforcements isn’t surprising, what’s turning heads is the potential cost. Pagnotta reports the Bruins are willing to part with former first-round prospect Matthew Poitras to land a key piece. Once considered a potential top-six forward, Poitras has been surpassed in the organization’s depth chart by younger players like Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov.
This makes Poitras a valuable trade asset. He’s a player other teams might see as a building block, particularly those undergoing a rebuild.
Potential Trade Destinations: St. Louis and Beyond
The St. Louis Blues emerge as a potential trade partner. They’re reportedly on the Bruins’ radar for defenseman Justin Faulk and Poitras could be an attractive piece in that deal. The Blues, in a rebuilding phase, could benefit from adding a young player with Poitras’ potential.
Other possibilities include the Toronto Maple Leafs, though the Blues appear to be a more logical fit given their current trajectory.
Faulk as a Target: Filling a Defensive Need
Poitras could be instrumental in acquiring a veteran like Faulk. The 21-year-old fits the mold of the type of player the Blues might seek in exchange for a seasoned defenseman. With potential departures of players like Robert Thomas or Brayden Schenn, the Blues will need players to fill the center position, and Poitras could be an opportunity for them.
The Bruins might also explore acquiring Jordan Kyrou from St. Louis, with Poitras again serving as a key trade piece.
Bruins’ Pragmatic Approach
It’s important to note that the Bruins aren’t necessarily giving up on Poitras. They’re simply being realistic about their current assets. There isn’t an immediate opening in the lineup for him, and with other promising prospects ahead of him, he becomes a valuable trade chip to improve the team now.
The Bruins would prefer to retain Poitras, but their primary focus is on enhancing their chances this season without compromising the future. Poitras is a player they feel comfortable potentially moving to achieve that goal.
FAQ
Q: What position does Matthew Poitras play?
A: He is a forward, primarily a center.
Q: Why are the Bruins willing to trade Poitras?
A: He has been surpassed in the depth chart by other young players and is a valuable trade asset to acquire immediate aid.
Q: Who are the Bruins targeting in trades?
A: A top-six forward and a right-shot defenseman are their priorities.
Q: What teams are potentially interested in Poitras?
A: The St. Louis Blues are a strong possibility, along with potentially the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Did you grasp? The Bruins currently hold the final wildcard seed in the Eastern Conference with a 32-20-5 record.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Calgary Flames, as they have players like Mackenzie Weegar who other teams are eyeing, potentially creating opportunities for the Bruins.
Stay tuned for further updates as the trade deadline approaches! What do you think? Should the Bruins trade Poitras? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
