With the playoffs approaching, Bruce Cassidy talked about where the Bruins are as a team and how different the intensity is in the playoffs compared to the regular season.
A lack of depth and talent on the blue line proved costly for the Boston Bruins in last season's second-round Stanley Cup playoff series loss to the New York Islanders.
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney would be wise to avoid that same scenario in 2022 by acquiring at least one defenseman before Monday's 3 p.m. ET NHL trade deadline.
The price for defensemen has been pretty high. The Anaheim Ducks traded Josh Manson to the Colorado Avalanche for a second-round pick and a good defenseman prospect on Monday. The Montreal Canadiens got a first-round pick, a prospect and a fourth-round pick from the Florida Panthers for Ben Chiarot on Wednesday night.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta reported Thursday that the Bruins are among the teams interested in acquiring one of Lindholm or Giordano.
TSN reported Tuesday night that the Bruins and Los Angeles Kings are still interested in Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
Lindholm and Giordano both have expiring contracts, so they'll be rentals unless re-signed before free agency this summer. Lindholm is 28 and more dynamic offensively. Giordano is 38 but still a quality player and a tremendous leader. Both have plenty of playoff experience.
Boston Bruins
Find the latest Boston Bruins news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
Should Bruins pay this reported asking price for Sharks d-man Jacob Middleton?
Chychrun is signed through 2024-25 at a very reasonable $4.6 million salary cap hit. He's also just 23 years old and likely will cost the most of any defenseman rumored to be available.
It's hard to see the Bruins acquiring any of the three blueliners mentioned above without giving up a first-round pick. Doing so would be tough for the B's because they parted with first-rounders in 2018 and 2020 trade deadline deals. But the Bruins' window to win a Stanley Cup is right now, and it'll slam shut if Patrice Bergeron retires in the offseason.
Being bold at the trade deadline and making an impactful move to upgrade the blue line should be a priority for Sweeney.
