The Boston Bruins' pursuit of Rasmus Andersson may signal that they're willing to add talent this season. However, the fact that Andersson arrived in Vegas without a contract extension in place suggests that his new team is operating with some risk.
A retooling franchise like the Bruins doesn't need to give up draft picks or young NHLers to acquire short-term band-aids. The club's current roster has exceeded expectations, and its prospect pool is getting deeper. Still, Don Sweeney and Co. are unlikely to roll the dice on depressed assets with high costs.
The Bruins' interest in Andersson signals that they're leaving no stone unturned to accelerate their team's upwards trajectory. If the right player were available – especially a younger forward already inked to a long-term deal – Sweeney might be willing to meet the high price set for him.
Boston could be tempted to keep its second line intact, featuring Viktor Arvidsson, Casey Mittelstadt, and Pavel Zacha, who have outscored opponents 21-8 when on the ice together. However, a fleet-footed veteran winger like Arvidsson or a skilled forward in Mittelstadt could also land Boston another pick.
The clock is ticking as to which path Sweeney will take before the trade deadline arrives. While there's no guarantee that he'll meet the high price set for a player, it's clear that the Bruins are willing to consider all options to bolster their team.
A retooling franchise like the Bruins doesn't need to give up draft picks or young NHLers to acquire short-term band-aids. The club's current roster has exceeded expectations, and its prospect pool is getting deeper. Still, Don Sweeney and Co. are unlikely to roll the dice on depressed assets with high costs.
The Bruins' interest in Andersson signals that they're leaving no stone unturned to accelerate their team's upwards trajectory. If the right player were available – especially a younger forward already inked to a long-term deal – Sweeney might be willing to meet the high price set for him.
Boston could be tempted to keep its second line intact, featuring Viktor Arvidsson, Casey Mittelstadt, and Pavel Zacha, who have outscored opponents 21-8 when on the ice together. However, a fleet-footed veteran winger like Arvidsson or a skilled forward in Mittelstadt could also land Boston another pick.
The clock is ticking as to which path Sweeney will take before the trade deadline arrives. While there's no guarantee that he'll meet the high price set for a player, it's clear that the Bruins are willing to consider all options to bolster their team.