We are almost halfway through the NHL season, and the Boston Bruins currently sit in third place in Eastern division. As the season slowly moves on, we can begin to guess with some accuracy about who will be making the playoffs, and who will be left on the outside looking in. One thing that the Bruins have improved upon so far this season has been secondary scoring, but it is becoming ever clearer that they could use a little more help in that department. The NHL trade deadline is coming up on April 12, so we are still about a month away, but it is not too early to throw out some potential trade options the Bruins could explore.
For about the past three years, the Bruins have been considered “buyers” at the deadline, but have never truly made a big splash. The closest they have gotten to a splash was the Rick Nash trade, but Nash was pretty much a shell of his former self by that time and didn’t really move the needle.
I think it’s time that the Bruins really put some other chips on the table and make a trade for a legit top-six forward. If I am Don Sweeney, I would put all of my young prospects on the trading block, not including Charlie McAvoy nor David Pastrňák. The Bruins can’t keep assuming that this team has a large championship window when their top two centermen are both in their mid-30s. The time is now to make a big deal happen, so who could the Bruins make a move to get?
One name that has been floating around the rumor mill has been Jack Eichel. Eichel is one of the most talented young stars in the NHL, but he is having one of the worst seasons of his career. Eichel, who is just 24 years of age, would be an ideal fit for the Bruins, as they desperately need a youth movement at the center position. 
The B’s currently have $3 million in cap space, which will prorate to about $8 million at the trade deadline. The Bruins would need to give up a player with a decent contract to take on Eichel’s $10 million cap hit for this season. Therefore, I believe the Bruins should push for a deal centered around Jake DeBrusk, who makes just over $3 million annually. DeBrusk hasn’t given the B’s too much this season, but his offensive upside is still enough to be a valuable trading chip. I believe a deal of DeBrusk, another prospect and some picks could be enough to acquire Eichel. I would be willing to offer multiple first round picks as well, but if Buffalo asks for Pastrňák or McAvoy, I believe Don Sweeney should move on.
Other trade options the Bruins should explore could potentially come from the Pittsburgh Penguins. It has been rumored that if the Penguins are not in the playoffs come April 12, they could end up selling some of their veteran players. Could that mean Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, maybe even Sydney Crosby? In the past few weeks, the Bruins have been linked to Crosby and potentially have shown interest in trading for him. However, the asking price could be a bit too steep to take on the generational talent that is Crosby. But how about Malkin? Malkin is another guy who is in his mid-30s and has not been at his best this season. Maybe the Bruins could pluck him from the Penguins for a prospect and a second-round pick. I would be hesitant to give a first rounder but would consider it. The upside on this deal could be a Stanley Cup, however the downside is it could just be another Rick Nash trade.
The Bruins still have a month to decide what they want to do come the trade deadline. But time is of the essence and their window is closing. They need a player that will help them win now.