Boston Bruins Need to Acquire Right Wing at Trade Deadline

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The lack of a legitimate top-line right wing has been a major issue for the Boston Bruins all season. That issue was further highlighted on Sunday night as the Montreal Canadiens stifled the Boston offense to complete a four-game season series sweep at TD Garden.

Simply put, Boston was owned by Montreal’s top line of Max Pacioretty, Dale Weise and David Desharnais. The trio accounted for two of the team’s three goals in the win. The Bruins have struggled and continue to struggle with matching the superior play of that line.

The Bruins must address their top-line deficiency if they hope to make the playoffs as a respectable ranked team and to more importantly end their horrid stretch of play opposite the Canadiens. With the March 2nd NHL trade deadline looming, the Bruins need to begin engaging teams in regards to potential trade candidates.

Here’s a look at three right wingers who would fit nicely alongside David Krejci and Milan Lucic on the top line.

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3. RW Chris Stewart-Buffalo Sabres

Stewart is a big, physical player who can get to the front of the net and score in high-traffic areas. He once scored 28 goals. It’s clear Stewart has enough offensive talent to thrive alongside Krejci’s elite play-making ability. Stewart and Lucic would present matchup nightmares for opposing defenders. Their size and heavy skating style would wear down teams. Obtaining Stewart shouldn’t cost the Bruins a whole lot. A pair of average prospects should do the trick for Buffalo.

2. RW T.J. Oshie-St. Louis Blues

Oshie is an immensely talented player, especially with the puck on his stick. He’s scored a bevy of highlight-reel goals throughout the course of his career with the Blues. He tallied 60 points last season. He also possesses the ability to play the rough style in which Claude Juilen coaches. Boston has shown interest in trading for him, but it will likely cost them. A roster player, prospect and a draft pick might be needed to pry him away. The Blues also have other players who are due for extensions.

1. RW Michael Ryder-New Jersey Devils

Ryder seems to be the most logical choice. He’s proved himself in Boston and can produce in the playoffs. Ryder tallied 8 goals and 9 assists for the Bruins during their Stanley Cup run in 2011. He’s a guy Julien and the management like. It also seems as if it won’t take much to acquire him from the Devils. Ryder’s been a healthy scratch of late and hasn’t played since Jan. 19.

The Bruins will surely be destined for an early playoff exit if they choose not to upgrade their top line ahead of the deadline. Something must be done to jump-start the team, especially if a matchup with the Canadiens arises down the road. The nightly line juggling needs to end and that begins with acquiring a legitimate piece.

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