Boston Bruins Trade Rumors: Bruins linked with defensemen Chychrun and Gavrikov

The Boston Bruins are currently the best team in the NHL, with a 42-8-5 record and 89 points. They are also one of the top favorites to win the Stanley Cup in 2023. However, in order to enhance their defense, the Bruins appear to have become buyers on this tradeline.

The rumored names linked to the Bruins include Jakob Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes and Vladislav Gavrikov of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Bruins are rumored to be interested in the two defensemen, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of 32 Thoughts:

"I do think one of the reasons Gavrikov was given the trade-related sit out by the Columbus Blue Jackets is because the Bruins are in on him. They also are looking at Chychrun."

The names of Jakob Chychrun and Vladislav Gavrikov have been circulating in the market as the March 3rd trade deadline approaches. Both players have been scratched from recent games due to trade-related issues.

Both players' clubs are out of contention to make the playoffs this season. Big teams like the Bruins are paying close attention to the two players.

Jakob Chychrun signed a six-year, $27.6 million contract with the Arizona Coyotes on November 13th, 2018, with a salary cap hit of $4.6 million. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season. This season, Jakob has appeared in 36 games, totalling 28 points (7 goals and 21 assists).

Meanwhile, Vladislav Gavrikov is currently contracted to a three-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets for $8.4 million with a salary cap of $2.8 million. He signed on November 5th, 2020, making him an impending free agent. This season, Gavrikov has appeared in 52 games, totaling 10 points (3 goals 7 assists).

Both defensemen are emerging players in the league and will be valuable additions to the Bruins' defense. However, Elliotte feels that one factor complicating this trade is the salary cap, which the Bruins will need to carefully plan for.

It remains to be seen how the Boston Bruins will manage a trade scenario involving the two players for the time being.

Boston Bruins NHL 2022-23 campaign

Boston Bruins v New York Islanders matchup at TD Garden

The Boston Bruins currently lead the Atlantic Division and have 89 points in the 2022-23 NHL season. David Pastrnak is leading the club in goal scoring with 75 points in 55 games, with 39 goals and 36 assists. Brad Marchand is the team's second-leading scorer, with 48 points on 17 goals and 31 assists in 47 games.