Going into the NHL trade deadline, the Boston Bruins had two needs: a top-six right wing and size on the offensive end. The Bruins did that while also offloading approximately $3 million in cap space, so it was ultimately a win-win. However, the only question coming out of the deadline was if Don Sweeney got enough skill with their two new acquisitions. The only way to answer that is to see them play, but let’s take a look at new guys in town.
Nick Ritchie
The Nick Ritchie trade really seems like a lateral move considering the Bruins gave up 24-year-old Danton Heinen for another 24-year-old who has had similar production this year. The win for the Bruins, in this case, is that Ritchie is significantly larger than Heinen standing at 6 feet, 2 inches. Size was something that the Bruins were in desperate need of last year in the finals against the Blues, as it seemed like they were getting pushed around for the majority of that season. 
So far this season Ritchie has been average at best, only being able to muster 18 points in 41 games, but I will take that over Heinen’s 22 points in 58 games while getting pushed around. For the B’s, Ritchie will likely be sitting on the third line with Charlie Coyle and Anders Bjork for the remainder of the season. If Ritchie can be a physical presence and somewhat help offensively, this trade should be a win for the Bruins, especially considering he is signed through next season for just $1.5 million.
Ondrej Kase
The Ondrej Kase situation is a very fascinating one. The Bruins are getting a player who has been a 20 goal scorer, while getting rid of half of David Backes’ ugly $6 million contract for a first-round pick and one of the Bruins many defensive prospects. If Kase can stay healthy and be productive, this could be a huge win for the B’s, considering he has another year on his contract, while also clearing cap space by getting rid of Backes.
Kase has been a bit of a diamond in the rough as a seventh round pick in 2014, who has 23 points in 49 games this season while having a bit of a concussion problem. However, when healthy, Kase brings a crafty skillset with a lot of speed making for a solid forward to play on David Krejci’s right side. Also, note that David Pastrnak, Krejci and Kase are both native from Czech Republic, so don’t be surprised if we see a Pastrnak, Krejci and Kase line combination at some point this season.
Last season Sweeney hit a home-run at the deadline with the additions of Marcus Johansson and Coyle, but no one really bought into those guys right away. This season has a similar feel with their newest acquisitions, but the difference is that both Ritchie and Kase have more term, so neither are rentals; they are both young and they both have the potential to be even more effective than both Johannson and Coyle. If everything works out, another trip to the finals should absolutely be in the cards. It should be interesting to see the new Bruins in action, and what sort of impact they’ll bring in the near future.