Boston Bruins: Ranking their top 5 trades in history

The Boston Bruins are one of the "Original Six" teams in the league that has been part of the NHL since 1924. The Bruins are also one of the most successful franchises in the league and have won the Stanley Cup on six occasions.

The Boston Bruins are also recognized for their devoted fan base, who have always supported their club in their best and worst moments in the NHL. The Bruins' success may partly be attributed to their superb management and scouting staff.

The Bruins have been responsible for producing some of the most talented players in the NHL owing to the best trades they have been a part of in the past. With that stated, this article will look at the top five trades in Boston Bruins history.

#5. Boston Bruins acquired one of the best defenseman, Raymond Bourque

The Bruins acquired defenseman Raymond Bourque as the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for goaltender Ron Grahame.

Ray went on to become one of the finest defensemen in NHL history, playing 21 seasons with the team and winning five Norris Trophies.

#4. Phil Esposito, Ken Hodge and Fred Stanfield from the Chicago Blackhawks

In 1967, the Bruins received Phil Esposito, Ken Hodge and Fred Stanfield from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Pit Martin, Gilles Marotte and Jack Norris.

The Bruins benefited from the trade as their eight-season playoff drought ended with the addition of these three players. These three players were vital members of the team, helping the Bruins win two Stanley Cups in 1970 and 1972.

#3. Rick Middleton in exchange for Ken Hodge with the Rangers

Following the 1973 playoffs with the New York Rangers, Ken Hodge's relationship with the Bruins began to deteriorate. In 1976, Hodge was traded to the Rangers in exchange for Rick Middleton.

Middleton, who was only 21 at the time, was full of pace and talent and went on to become one of the finest forwards of his day. His finest season with the Bruins was 1983, when he collected 105 points.

#2. Brad Marchand, who became a Bruins legend in a short time

Brad Marchand is regarded as one of the top players in the NHL. Marchand surprised the Boston Bruins by being selected 71st overall in the third round of the 2006 NHL Draft.

Marchand scored 41 points in his rookie season and continued to improve season after season, becoming one of the top draft picks of all time.

#1. Signing of 6'9" defenseman Zdeno Chara

Zdeno Chara was signed by the Boston Bruins on the first day of free agency in 2006 for $37.5 million on a five-year contract. He was named captain of the club almost right away and helped the Bruins break their 39-year Stanley Cup drought in 2011.

Chara also holds the NHL record for the fastest shot, clocking it at 108.8 mph. He played with the Bruins for 20 seasons and became the team's icon.