Bruins Insider Leaks Potential Trade Deal Between Blackhawks and Bruins

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Hunter Bowman
December 26, 2023 (9:28 PM)

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As the holiday roster freeze lifts at 12:01 a.m. EST on Thursday, the Boston Bruins are eyeing a potential solution to their need for more skill at center. Inside sources within the NHL executive circle have revealed to Boston Hockey Now that the Chicago Blackhawks are open to trading center Tyler Johnson. The 33-year-old, 5-foot-8, 185-pound pivot is in the final season of a seven-year, $35 million cap hit, using $2,005,209 of his $5 million salary cap this season, with seven goals and four assists in 34 games.

Tyler Johnson joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021 after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, including a 2023 second-round pick in the trade. Despite initial injury struggles in Chicago, Johnson showed glimpses of his previous form, ending last season with 12 goals and 20 assists in 56 games. His standout NHL season was in 2014-15, scoring 29 goals and recording 43 assists in 73 games.

On the trade front, the Boston Bruins have been linked with Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm, but recent reports suggest a potential deal closer to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, on 'TSN Insider Trading,' connected the Bruins to Lindholm, emphasizing the need for a right-handed center with defensive skills after Patrice Bergeron's departure.

LeBrun highlighted challenges for the Bruins in acquiring Lindholm, citing their lack of a 2024 first-round pick due to last year's trade for Tyler Bertuzzi. The competition for Lindholm's services is intense, with the Colorado Avalanche also showing interest. The Bruins, lacking 2024 second or third-round picks, face additional hurdles unless the Flames consider future picks.

While Tyler Johnson may not be a top-six center anymore, some speculate if his Stanley Cup pedigree and experience could make him a backup option for the Bruins. Concerns about his size and performance at this stage in his career raise doubts about his fit with the team's needs. The Bruins' approach to the trade market and addressing the center position remains uncertain in the coming weeks.

Source: Bruinsinsder