The Boston Bruins have built themselves a powerful team in the Eastern Conference, who are structured around top-end talent, a balanced defense, solid goaltending, and a bunch of valuable contracts. The team continues to work out their offseason and remain in talks with the likes of unrestricted free agent and long-time Bruin, Zdeno Chara and restricted free agent Jake DeBrusk.
While the team continues to negotiate new contracts, some of their current roster will generate interest from throughout the league as we head into next season in 2021.
3 Trade Assets for the Boston Bruins in 2021
Ondrej Kase, One-Year Remaining at $2,600,000 (RFA)
Kase is 25 and was acquired by the Bruins last season via the Anaheim Ducks. He struggled in his six regular season games, only tallying one point, and in 11 playoff games only registered four assists. Kase still has yet to score in a Bruins uniform.
The native of Kadan, Czech Republic will be given every opportunity on the team's second-line and power-play next year, in hopes he can contribute much like he was doing in California before the trade. Kase's career high is 20 goals in 2018.
If it doesn't work out for Kase as a Bruin, the team could look to move him near the trade deadline for someone with playoff experience.
Tuukka Rask, one-year remaining, $7,000,000 (UFA)
The last few months have been nothing but a whirlwind for Rask in Boston after deciding to opt-out of the NHL's restart. The team has
mentioned they are committed to Rask for next season, however, if the team struggles or Jaroslav Halak wins the starters' net next season, Rask could easily be flipped.
The Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers would certainly have interest if the Finnish netminder was made available.
Keep a close eye on Rask this season, if you notice there aren't any extension talks ongoing between the two sides, the Bruins could move forward with Halak and address the goaltending for the future via free agency. The likes of Jordan Binnington, Philipp Grubauer, David Rittich, and Frederik Andersen could be available to sign.
The Bruins goaltending situation for next year and beyond may be their most entertaining storyline to watch in Boston.
Jake DeBrusk, unsigned, restricted free agent
DeBrusk currently sits without a contract for next season, but that will be changing soon. His name has come up
several times in trade talks, because he may just be the Bruins best trade chip. He's still 24-years-old and his physical play and offensive abilities make him an attractive piece.
DeBrusk finished last season with 35 points in 65 games, adding four more snipes in the playoffs. In 2019, the left-winger finished the year with 27 goals which is where the Bruins would love him to be for the next decade.
Keep an eye on the length of DeBrusk's extension with the Bruins. If it's announced he's only signing a one or two-year deal, expect to hear his name come up in trade discussions next season.
The Boston Bruins currently have roughly $6.5 million in cap space remaining, meanwhile have DeBrusk to sign, and two other NHL contracts spots available. The team will have roughly $15 million in cap space once the trade deadline comes around, and could be busy making moves to gear up for another long playoff run.
While it's certainly not a given any of the names mentioned will be moved, these may just be the Bruins' biggest trade chips considering Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Photo credit: Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire
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