Yahoo Sports 2 Big Bruins Mentioned As Trade Candidates
The Boston Bruins' season is continuing to head in the wrong direction. They lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning by a 4-1 final score on Thursday night, extending their winless streak to six games.
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This loss stung extra for the Bruins, as the Lightning passed them for the third-place spot in the Atlantic Division standings. The Lightning also have five games in hand, so this ongoing losing streak has made things quite challenging for the Bruins.
With the Bruins heading in the wrong direction, NHL insider Darren Dreger discussed two Bruins players who could "be in the play" near the deadline – Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau.
"They've got some free-agent players, some pieces that definitely could, and likely will be in play," Dreger said. "I look at Trent Frederic, who is a pending unrestricted free agent. And I look at Justin Brazeau, who has had a wonderful year for the Boston Bruins. Again, contractually, he needs some attention. So, big decisions ahead, both on and off the ice, for Boston."
Frederic, 26, is no stranger to the rumor mill this season. The 2016 first-round pick is in the final season of his deal and generate interest near the deadline. This is especially so if the Bruins continue to collapse and find themselves out of a playoff spot near or in March.
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The Bruins could also part ways with Frederic when noting that he has an expiring contract and is having a disastrous season. In 44 games, he has just six goals, six assists, and a minus-11 rating. However, the 6-foot-3 forward set career highs with 18 goals and 40 points last season and plays a heavy game, so contenders should still call about the St. Louis native.
Brazeau, 26, also has the potential to generate interest. On a struggling Bruins team, the 6-foot-6 winger has taken a step forward this season, posting 10 goals and 18 points in 42 games. He also has a bargain $775,000 cap hit, making him easily affordable.
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Brazeau is a player the Bruins could and truly should look to extend, as he has given them solid secondary scoring this season. However, if he still does not have an extension near the deadline and the Bruins drop further in the standings, it is fair to wonder he could be dealt.
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