The 2022 NHL trade deadline is just over a month away, and it's a very important one for the Boston Bruins.
The B's are a good but not great team. They have the potential to make a deep run in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but that's unlikely to happen with their current roster. Reinforcements up front and on the blue line are needed.
We should expect the Bruins to make at least one move. Why is that? Well, they have been one of the busier trade deadline teams in recent years, sometimes making multiple moves in the weeks leading up to the deadline. For example, the Bruins pulled off two trades before the 2021 trade deadline to add two forwards and a defenseman without giving up a top prospect or a first-round pick.
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Where Bruins stand in NHL playoff race as trade deadline nears
Here's all the information you need for the 2022 trade deadline.
When is the trade deadline?
The trade deadline set for 3 p.m. ET on Monday, March 21. The deadline date normally is in February, but it's later this year because the regular season schedule ends in late April instead of mid-April.
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Bruins' trade assets
The Bruins don't have a ton of great assets to trade. Their prospect pool is ranked by many experts as one of the worst in the league.
Right winger Fabian Lysell, defenseman Mason Lohrei and goaltender Jeremy Swayman are Boston's top assets. The Bruins' 2022 and 2023 first-round picks are valuable, too. Beyond those five, there's not much for other teams to be very excited about.
Bruins' roster needs
The Bruins' needs are pretty obvious.
Second-line center has been an issue since David Krejci left the team last offseason. Erik Haula filled that spot pretty well in January, but he's best suited as a third-line forward. Another defensemen is needed as well. A left-shot blueliner would be ideal, especially someone who can log 20-plus minutes against quality opponents in a playoff environment.
A right winger who could score some goals and give the Bruins valuable scoring depth would be a nice addition, too. B's general manager Don Sweeney has acquired at least one forward in each of his six trade deadlines in his current role. Many of those forwards were middle-six players, so it wouldn't be surprising if he finds a third-line forward to boost Boston's offensive skill and depth.
Players Bruins could target
Here are three lists of players who might interest the Bruins over the next month.