Bruins Trade Rumors: Talks Heating Up on Casey Mittelstadt

The Boston Bruins are battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and if they are on the outside looking in before the Olympic break in February, expect to see GM Don Sweeney re-tool on the fly.

The Bruins have two first-rounders the next two years, they have a good strong core, and they have some bright pieces coming up the ranks. There's also a long list of underachievers this season and several trade candidates, and that includes center Casey Mittelstadt.

Mittelstadt, 27, is owed $5.7 million AAV this season and next, however, his trade protection doesn't kick in until July. Mittelstadt's having a decent season, scoring nine goals, and seven assists, for 16 points in 31 games. He's averaging 15:05 of ice-time per game, and if he ever was able to be more sound defensive, he'd kill penalties and get even more ice-time.

Hockey insider Frank Seravalli sees Mittelstadt as the prime trade candidate for the Bruins:

Frank Seravalli: Re Bruins trade rumours: A lot of people have pointed to Pavel Zacha as a trade chip; I think you need more Pavel Zacha not less; maybe the guy you try and move is Casey Mittelstadt - Insider Notebook (12/30)

As far as some teams expected to be interested, the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, and Los Angeles Kings are some teams to keep an eye on as they're looking for help down the middle of the ice.

Mittelstadt's on the block. Do you think he'll be traded before the deadline? Let us know in the comments.