The Boston Bruins forward core has rapidly changed this offseason. The retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have forced the team to re-evaluate their roster and its depth. As part of this, a Bruins winger may be on his way out in favor of some help down the middle.

Bruins Linked to Elias Lindholm

According to nhltraderumor.com the Bruins are interested in targeting Elias Lindholm. Lindholm is a player who has floated between center and wing and played both very well. As part of the rumored package, they would also acquire veteran center Mikael Backlund.

Jake DeBrusk Heads West

According to this report, the potential return for Lindholm and Backlund would include Jake DeBrusk. DeBrusk had a career year in 2022-23 with 50 points in 64 games and 27 goals.

Trade Analysis

For the Bruins, this would provide the center depth they have been clamoring for since losing out on Bergeron and Krejci. They would lose out on one of the better young forwards but DeBrusk does not fit the Bruins window to win as well as Lindholm and Krejci do.

The Flames get a 26-year-old forward to retool their core around. DeBrusk showed this past season that he can be a good goal scorer. This adds a true finisher to the lineup that the Flames lacked in 2022-23.

In both cases each team comes out with valuable players and the usage of each player would determine who gets the better of the deal most likely.