The Boston Bruins are expected to look to upgrade their blue line this offseason after reaching the playoffs last year.
Boston has been linked to pending free agents like Darren Raddysh and Rasmus Andersson, who are the top two defenseman available in free agency. Yet, NHL analyst Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report named the Bruins as a potential landing spot for Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba.
“Boston finished the regular season 29th in expected goals against per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play, 22nd in scoring chances against per 60 minutes and 28th in high-danger scoring chances against per 60 minutes. If Swayman had been just average, the Bruins’ season might have looked dramatically different,” Gretz wrote.
“If they just roll into next season and expect that recipe to repeat itself, they could be in for a rude awakening. They have to do more to help out their goalie, and a right-shot defenseman should be high on the list. Whether Trouba is the type of defenseman they need is debatable, but he does seem like the kind they like to have: big, physical, and not afraid to hit people. That is the Bruins’ DNA, especially on defense, and he would certainly fit in with it.”
Trouba is a pending free agent after completing his seven-year, $56 million deal with the Ducks after being traded from the New York Rangers.
Trouba is known for his physical play, as he’s a hard-hitter who would also add some veteran leadership to the room, as he used to be the Rangers captain. He recorded 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 81 games with the Ducks.
If the Bruins don’t land one of Raddysh or Andersson, Trouba would be a nice consolation prize to add some physicality and leadership to the backend.
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