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3 Trade Targets for the Bruins This Offseason

Following the Stanley Cup Final, here are three players that GM Don Sweeney should be taking a look at this offseason.

By Ryan Bunton

May 4, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery speaks to the media after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in game seven of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery speaks to the media after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in game seven of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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1. Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers

Fresh off of a Game 7 loss and a disappointing series in which he was held goalless, Leon Draisaitl's future with the Edmonton Oilers has come under some uncertainty.

One of the game's superstars, the former third-overall pick has surpassed 100 points in the last five full seasons. He's scored 50 or more goals three times. Draisaitl led the league in points in 2019-20, in which he took home the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP as well. He has the second-most points and second-most goals in the NHL over the last five seasons.

Draisaitl will be entering the final season of his eight-year, $68 million deal that he signed. With his future in Edmonton in question, some trade rumors have circulated. In early May, former NHL enforcer Georges Laraque fueled that fire: "Someone well placed in the organization said that if the Oilers don't go deep in the playoffs he doesn't see Draisaitl re-signing at the end of his deal." The next line is music to Bruins' fans' ears: "He'd prefer to be a first-line center in Boston."

Earlier this month, Bruins superstar David Pastrnak declared "I would love Draisaitl!" when asked if he had been recruiting any players to the team. But then again, who wouldn't want to play with Draisaitl?

Now, Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final is quite literally the farthest you can go in the playoffs, so that doesn't exactly fit the bill within Laraque's report. Boston fans will be hoping that the Oilers coming up slightly short and a poor Finals showing from Draisaitl make him more inclined to chase the Cup elsewhere.

In the aftermath of Edmonton's heartbreaking loss, insider Chris Johnston reported:

"Edmonton is not inclined to let the 28-year-old center simply play out the final year of his contract and walk directly into free agency next July, according to multiple league sources familiar with the front office's view of the situation. "

- Chris Johnston of The Athleitc

Quite simply, if Draisaitl isn't willing to extend his contract in Edmonton, the Oilers sound like they will see trading him as their only option.

Admittedly, it will take a haul to land a generational talent like Draisaitl. On the doorstep of hoisting the Cup, Edmonton will likely command NHL talent rather than prospects or future draft picks. Pavel Zacha, Charlie Coyle, and Matthew Poitras could all be in the mix. Young defenseman Mason Lohrei has been promising, but Don Sweeney might have to sacrifice him in a blockbuster.

Furthermore, the Bruins shouldn't pull the trigger on this deal unless they have a high level of confidence that Draisaitl would agree to a contract extension in Boston. They can't give up the farm for a one-season rental, no matter how good the player is.

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