NHL Rumors: Bruins & Predators Emerging as Potential Trade Partners

The Boston Bruins are preparing to be buyers at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. Even after losing so many players during the offseason, they are still the top team in the Eastern Conference, and they will be looking to add to their roster because of it. After losing Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci to retirement, they are likely to try to bring in a center.

The Nashville Predators, on the other hand, are in the middle of a retooling period and could be sellers at the deadline because of it. If they elect to sell, pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Tommy Novak could be made available. If he is, the Bruins are one team to pay very close attention to.

Novak, 26, is a solid middle-six center who notably carries an easily affordable $800,000 cap hit. This and his ability to play anywhere in the lineup makes him an appealing trade target, and the Bruins would be wise to have him on their radar because of it.

Novak is having a solid season in 2023-24, as he has eight goals and 21 points in 36 games. He also had 43 points in 51 games last season in what was a breakout campaign for him. Due to this, he is a player who could heat up as this season goes on, and he could thrive joining a contender like the Bruins.

We will need to wait and see if the Bruins end up making a push for Novak. He would be a good consolation prize if they miss out on other center trade targets like Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan.