Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Marco Sturm desires intense playoff grit, and the Boston Bruins are heavily pursuing a trade for Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the two sides have reignited serious trade talks. The proposed package heading back to Vancouver is massive.
Boston is reportedly willing to part with young defenseman Mason Lohrei and forward Matt Poitras. Either of those pieces would drastically alter the future of the franchise, but there’s a chance the Canucks could acquire them both.
Garland is definitely not the tallest guy in the locker room. He stands at just 5-foot-10 and tips the scales at 165 pounds.
But the veteran winger plays with absolute fire on every single shift. It is not the size of the dog in the fight, but about the size of the fight in the dog.
He crashes the crease, frustrates opposing defenders, and battles hard along the wall. That type of pure tenacity is exactly what the Bruins need for a deep spring run.
Garland has already recorded 26 points across 49 games for Vancouver this season. He is an absolute workhorse who generates consistent offensive output.
Lohrei has been a reliable, steady piece on the blue line for Boston. He has earned 23 points in 54 appearances this year while boasting a solid +10 rating.
Moving a 6-foot-5 defenseman who routinely eats huge minutes is a massive gamble. Lohrei brings excellent vision and crisp passing skills to the transition game.
Then there is the situation with Poitras. The talented 21-year-old center has spent the majority of the current season developing his game down in Providence.
He has produced 31 points in 49 AHL games so far. He only has one goal in three NHL appearances this year, but his ceiling remains incredibly high.
Sacrificing that kind of premium future talent means Boston is going all-in right now. The front office knows their championship window might be closing soon.
Adding Garland gives the Bruins another proven, gritty weapon to utilize on the power play. He simply outworks the opposition and drives possession.
Vancouver desperately wants NHL-ready youth, and Boston has exactly what they need. A blockbuster deal involving Lohrei or Poitras would definitely shake up both rosters.
Fans will soon see if these intense negotiations cross the finish line before the deadline. The Bruins are clearly ready to make a massive splash.
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