Why the Boston Bruins Need Keith Tkachuk

Despite their injuries, the Boston Bruins have remained the team-to-beat in the East. But in order to go deep into the playoffs, will players like Byron Bitz from Providence be enough to fill-in the gaps?

I say no.

The trade deadline is Mar. 4, so it's time to start thinking.

Keeping the salary cap in mind—and thinking realistically—I’m not about to regurgitate Kevin Paul Dupont’s methods of madness on getting Vincent Lecavalier, because quite frankly, that just doesn’t make much sense to me.

I will, however, make a strong plea to the Bruins front office to make a run at a 36-year-old, future Hall of Fame forward.

A rough-and-tough seasoned veteran who can tremendously help the Bruins, from now through April.  I bring to you, from Malden Catholic High School, Boston University, and current St. Louis Blues, Keith Tkachuk.

Standing 6’2” and weighing 230lbs., the Massachusetts native would be the perfect replacement for Marco Sturm—who of course is out with season-ending knee surgery.

A left-handed shot—perfect for the slot—and a big physical presence, Tkachuk would fit on any of the top three lines, including on the power play.

Tkachuk has been one of the toughest premiere power-forwards in the league since his debut in 1991-92, and the Bruins could certainly benefit from this. Grit, determination, and veteran leadership has made Tkachuk more than worthy of that "A" stitched on his jersey.

The St. Louis Blues currently rank dead-last in the Western Conference with 42 points, so asking GM Larry Pleau for a trade probably won’t cost too much.

I think a contract player like Chuck Kobasew (and his $2.33 mil) along with a prospect and/or a future draft pick would do the trick.

Plus, Sturm and Tkachuk are both making $3.5 mil this season, so if the Bruins make a run at Tkachuk as a rental, they could theoretically let the UFA walk at the end of the year, and bring back a healthy Sturm.

Tkachuk was a first-round draft pick back in 1990, by the Winnipeg Jets.  He made his fifth NHL All-Star appearance this year, and has also been named to the NHL Second All-Star team twice. He is also just the seventh US-born player to reach the 1,000 point milestone.

The time to make a splash is now, as Tkachuk is going to be sought-after by many playoff contending teams before the trade deadline. Time to bring the Massachusetts boy back to Beantown.

The original article was written by Mark on the Boston Bruins Examiner page.