TRADE PROPOSAL | The Bruins find their new number one centerman in Vancouver

PUBLICATION

Felip Gosselin
July 31, 2023 (7:52 PM)

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The Bruins are in a tough spot now that Patrice Bergeron's announced his retirement; David Krejci isn't looking like he'll be back either. This leaves a massive void in the team's centermen depth chart, especially after trading away a star like Taylor Hall.

For some time, even though it's extremely unlikely, a rumour has been circulating that J.T. Miller may be one of the Bruins' targets to take over the team's middle lane. Multiple things are standing in the way of such trade; Miller now has a full no-movement clause meaning only he can decide whether he gets traded.

For the well-being of the exercise, say that Miller approved a trade to Boston; here's the trade that was drawn up:

To Vancouver

Pavel Zacha ($4.75M AAV)
Jake Debrusk ($4M AAV)
A.J. Greer ($0.762M AAV)
2026 2nd Round Selection Boston

To Boston

J.T. Miller ($8M AAV)
Conor Garland ($4.95M AAV)
Vitaly Kravstov (Qualified RFA)

TRADE ANALYSIS

Canucks would be trading away a good chunk of money and undesirable contracts (Garlan). Debrusk has proven to be a good offensive producer with 50 points in 64 games last season; he'll, however, be hitting free agency at the end of the campaign. Pavel Zacha, on his end, still has a term on his deal. He's coming off a career-high 57 points and could be a very good and younger option to have on the team's 2nd line. A proven quality penalty killer, he'd be filling a need in Vancouver.

This deal could be worth considering for the Canucks only if Debrusk were to agree to an extension before the trade. The two are much younger and would probably be a better fit in the team's core; both from the 2015 Draft Class (Zacha 6th, Debrusk 14th) have yet to turn 27.