Team: 2019-20 Boston Bruins

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 15, 2020

Published: Jan. 16, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

B's have to change their energy on the ice. Putting Ritchie on waivers is a sign that they are losing patience with those guys who aren't contributing. Backes is an even bigger waste than Ritchie. The Ducks are willing to take on salary in the right deal and a first-round pick is as good as it gets. Kase has fallen out of favor in Anaheim and I don't think they will mind moving him if it lands a first round pick and a nice D prospect like Lauzon. Does it hurt to give up big time trade capital like this? Sure. But it's worth it to get the flexibility afforded by moving Backes and the upside of Kase - this year and next.

Kase might be inspired by a move from a bottom-feeder to a contender. So too could Toffoli. The Bs reportedly have long been interested in him and could pull the trigger at any time. The asking price is reportedly a 2nd rounder and prospect. I would much rather pay that - especially with Kase already in the mix - than pay up for Kreider or Palmieri. I think Toffoli's numbers dropping off at the same time the Kings started falling off is no coincidence. He thrived under pressure early in his career and I think he would do so again and would be a perfect fit on the second line.

The B's foremost priority should be to add skill and secondary scoring up front. But they also need to add grit and physicality, especially if Miller isn't coming back this season (though they have the cap room to activate him). I really like Trent Frederic and would like to see him get some time down the stretch and even take on a regular role on the fourth line next year. However, Baddock is another AHL grinder that might be nice to have moving forward as well. Ryan Fitzgerald doesn't appear to have a future in Boston. May as well deal him to NJ while his dad is GM and get a useful piece back.

1.

2.

3.