Viktor Arvidsson (via Getty Images) The clock is officially ticking for the Boston Bruins as the roster freeze expires this Sunday night. General manager Don Sweeney has less than a week to determine whether the Boston Bruins need to buy, sell, or strike a balance as the March 6 trade deadline approaches.Preliminary reports have the Boston Bruins targeting an addition of talent, likely in the form of a top-four defenseman or a first-line center. However, the Boston Bruins’ next four games may end up determining their trade deadline course, and one surprising name that has popped up in trade rumors is that of Swedish ice hockey right wing Viktor Arvidsson.
Viktor Arvidsson’s breakout season presents tough decision between trade asset and team catalyst
Viktor Arvidsson has quietly emerged as one of the most potent secondary scorers on the Boston Bruins roster, chipping in 14 goals and 28 points in 45 games while showing great chemistry with Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha. He is also the only Boston Bruins forward who is not yet signed for next season, making him both a potential rental player and a problem on the horizon.The 32-year-old player was selected by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round, 112th overall, at the 2014 NHL entry draft. He is well known for winning the Swedish Championship twice with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). His trade value has increased, as it is believed that he could now bring in a much higher return in terms of draft picks or other assets from a contender looking to add to their scoring depth. This small investment could be turned into a high draft pick or other assets, which would be phenomenal asset management.Trading him off as part of a bigger deal for a premium upgrade is theoretically enticing, but it is most unlikely to happen. The teams letting go of their elite centers or best defenders usually ask for young talent, prospects, or long-term assets.An extension is another option. Arvidsson has surprised and been useful in developing young players. However, with most of Boston’s roster already committed to next season, even a short-term extension may not align with the team’s financial or organizational goals.If Boston retains him past the trade deadline, they may lose him for free in the offseason. However, if they trade him away, they might sabotage their own playoff chances.In a highly competitive Eastern Conference, Sweeney’s Arvidsson move might just show whether the Bruins are committed to this season as a contender or as a rebuilding phase for what’s to come.