Boston Bruins' Biggest Needs and Best Trade Fits at the Deadline

The Boston Bruins are currently in the middle of a battle to hold onto the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, and the trade deadline could be interesting. The Bruins have a number of solid players already in the fold, but there are some holes that need to be filled.

The Bruins are up against the salary cap and have some key players to re-sign next season, so any deal would need to be equal in terms of salary exchange.

With that in mind, here are the Bruins' biggest needs ahead of the trade deadline.

Power Forward

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What's The Need: Power Forward

Possible Fits: Chris Stewart, Buffalo Sabres

Jarome Iginla was a perfect fit for the Boston Bruins last season, but the team could not keep him in black and yellow because of the salary cap. The Bruins have not been able to internally find a replacement, so you can expect general manager Peter Chiarelli to try and add a rugged power forward at the trade deadline.

Chris Stewart of the Buffalo Sabres could be a decent fit for the interim, as he is a free agent this summer. He's a physical forward who can put pucks in the back of the net, and it would be a move the Bruins can walk away from if he doesn't pan out.

Second Pairing Defenseman

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What's The Need: Second Pairing Defenseman

Possible Fits: Andrej Sekera, Carolina Hurricanes or Keith Yandle, Arizona Coyotes

The Boston Bruins have missed Johnny Boychuk this season, and the team would be in better shape if he hadn't been dealt to the New York Islanders. The current second pairing of Dennis Seidenberg and Adam McQuaid hasn't been consistent enough, and that is something that could be a liability in the playoffs.

The Bruins have interest in Keith Yandle according to The Fourth Period, and he's a blueliner that could step in and make a difference. Andrej Sekera of the Carolina Hurricanes would also be a solid addition, and he'd come at a lower cost because he's an unrestricted free agent rental.

Bottom Six Forward

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What's The Need: Bottom Six Forward

Possible Fits: Sean Bergenheim, Florida Panthers

The Boston Bruins' Merlot Line used to be one of the best fourth lines in hockey, but that hasn't been the case this season. Daniel Paille and Gregory Campbell haven't been as effective as in past seasons, and the line could use a spark to replace 24-year-old Craig Cunningham.

The market has a number of bottom six forwards available, and Sean Bergenheim of the Florida Panthers could be a good fit. Bergenheim has averaged about 30 points per season, and he'd add some spark and offensive upside to the fourth line.

Top Six Scoring Winger

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What's The Need: Top Six Scoring Winger

Possible Fit: Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

Reilly Smith has only 12 goals this season, and he hasn't provided the offensive punch he showcased last year. He's currently being used in a top-line role, but the Bruins are trying to make an upgrade that position.

The Bruins have interest in acquiring Jordan Eberle of the Edmonton Oilers according to The Fourth Period, and it would be a blockbuster that could transform the Bruins' offense. Loui Eriksson might have to go the other way to make the salary work, but it would still be an upgrade to the team's overall offensive depth.

Veteran Defender for Third Pairing

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What's The Need: Veteran Defender for Third Pairing

Possible Fits: Zbynek Michaelk, Arizona Coyotes

The Boston Bruins may also want to consider adding a third pairing defender so that they don't have a youngster pairing of Matt Bartkowski and Torey Krug. 

Having a reliable veteran on the third pairing that can play big minutes would be optimal, and it is something the Bruins have lacked since Andrew Ference was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers.

Krug is a quality offensive defender who helps drive puck possession, and adding a defender like Zbynek Michalek would help shore up the Bruins' blue line, and increase its overall depth.

Stats via Hockey Reference, rumors via The Fourth Period.