Rumor: Trade leaks between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks
The Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks are in opposite positions. The Bruins, among the top teams in the NHL, are looking to win now, whereas the Blackhawks are in complete rebuilding mode.
With the holiday freeze ending on Thursday at 12:01 a.m. E.T., both teams could complete a trade together sooner rather than later, according to a new report.
Blackhawks Place Forward on Trade Block
The Blackhawks will reportedly place forward Tyler Johnson on the trade block. At 33, he's currently playing through the final season of his seven-year, $5 million AAV contract.
In 34 games this season, he has scored 11 points, including seven goals.
Johnson was notably a part of the 2020-2021 back-to-back Stanley Cups win in Tampa Bay. Following that impressive feat, the player was traded to Chicago. Then, he hit a roadblock, being severely injured, playing only 82 games in his first two seasons with the Hawks.
Bruins Could be Interested in Johnson to Add Depth at Center
The Boston Bruins have been looking to add centers to their roster ever since Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci left the team last summer.
It has been suggested that the top team in the Atlantic Division could be interested in Johnson.
Even if he's not a top-six player anymore, with his two Stanley Cup wins, he would add significant depth and experience to the team's bottom-six.
However, at $5 million a year, the Blackhawks would probably need to retain money from his contract.
With many teams possibly interested in the player, and the Bruins constrained by the salary cap, it's not certain at all that Boston will end up acquiring him.
Per Pierre LeBrun:
Do you think the Bruins will trade for Johnson?
As seen on Bruins Insider - Bruins Reporter Leaks Trade Between The Blackhawks And Bruins
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 27 | 443 ANSWERS Rumor: Trade leaks between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks Do you think the Bruins will trade for Johnson? | ||
| Yes | 197 | 44.5 % |
| No | 246 | 55.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
