Boston Bruins Get Stronger On Deadline Day

Today was the NHL trade deadline, and the Boston Bruins, made some last minute moves. They acquired John Michael Liles from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2016 third round pick, 2015 fifth round pick, and prospect Anthony Camara.

In 64 games this season, Liles has 6 goals, 9 assists, with a plus/minus of -3.Liles has been a productive veteran defensemen for the team, being the veteran leader of a young defensive core.

Bruins are getting some help on the defense with this deal. The team’s defensive core is filled with some young guys who could make mistakes at times. With Liles, the team is adding a solid offensive veteran defensemen who knows how to skate and knows how to use his body. His ability to pass the puck well and having a decent shot will be useful for the team. Expect them to put Liles in the top six in the defensive pairings.

The Hurricanes are in a rebuilding mode right now, trading away players like Eric Staal, Kris Versteeg, and now Liles. They are trading all of these veteran players for draft picks and prospects. The team got a good package of draft picks, which are always helpful in a rebuild and a prospect in Camara who could turn out to be something for the team.

Boston was not done yet, as the team made yet another trade. They struck a deal with the New Jersey Devils, acquiring Lee Stempniak for 2017 second round pick and a 2016 forth round pick. Stempniak spent some brief time in Boston before signing a one year deal with the Devils.

In 63 games this season, Stempniak has 16 goals, 25 assist, for a plus/minus of +3. With only getting a one year deal, Stempniak made the most out of his chance, becoming the leading goal scorer on the Devils. He has helped the team stay in the hunt in the playoff picture.

Boston already has one of the highest scoring offenses in the league this season, and adding a top six veteran scorer like Stempniak to the lineup will bring some more firepower. Stempniak is a proven veteran player who can pass the puck well, along with having a good shot. Put him on the second line spot and he will produce solid numbers.

New Jersey is getting a good package in return for Stempniak. The team is still in the hunt in the playoff race, but with the way the picture looks now, the chances that the team makes the playoffs are slim. So, getting a second and a forth round pick for him is something that could be useful during the offseason.

Giving up a good chunk of draft picks for two rental veteran players might be much for General Manager Don Sweeney, who is in his first year. The team is in a win right now mode, so giving up draft picks is ok as long as the players the team acquired produce. Boston made good moves getting Liles and Stempniak improving the team for the playoff run.