3 Things the Bruins Should Add to their Christmas Wishlist

Christmas Day is two sleeps away, but we all know of those last-minute shoppers. Running to the store or simply buying gift cards for each person on their present list.

The beauty of the holidays is spending time with loved ones and of course, embracing unique family traditions. Baking cookies with your grandmother, going to your favorite restaurant, or wearing matching pajamas on the ole faithful day.

Everyone has something they seek and sports is no different. A franchise quarterback, a strong ace, or a brand new stadium. We all want something.

So, what’s on the Boston Bruins wish list?

Wish 1: A #1 Center

Starting with a huge ask of Santa Claus, but hey go big or go home right? Ever since the retirement of Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins have needed a new first-line center.

Some could even argue the last year or two, GM Don Sweeney should have acquired a top-line center and bumped Bergeron down. 

Hindsight is always 20/20, but Boston is still without a true cornerstone top center. Recently, Pavel Zacha has fulfilled those duties, but the task is a little too much.

Entering the matchup vs Washington, Zacha has compiled eight goals, eight assists, and a +2 overall. That is a solid effort, but not enough for a first-line center.

Not to diss Zacha or second-line center Elias Lindholm, but they are not the solution. One can make the case, certainly, Sweeney can, if the signing of Lindholm was the address that was needed. 

Signing a 7-year, $54 million dollar deal this offseason, Lindholm was potentially the answer. However, to date, the 30-year-old has five goals and 12 assists. 

Currently third in the Atlantic, Boston looks bound to return to the playoffs yet again. However, if you look at the recent Stanley Cup champions, they all have a true top-line center.

Florida? Aleksander Barkov. Vegas? Jack Eichel. Colorado? Nathan MacKinnon. 

Championship teams all have that top-line center, which Boston had for years with Bergeron, but since his departure, it’s been a huge void. 

So, GM Don Sweeney should put a #1 center atop his Christmas list and hope the elves can deliver.