Bruins Have Two Canucks Targeted On Their Trade Board

Why Are the Bruins Hot For Garland and Boeser?

Conor Garland

Garland is a fast, gritty, hard-working winger (a smaller guy that plays like a bigger guy) who gets on people’s nerves. Garland scores points, makes smart plays, and has a relentless quality about him. Boston has asked about him before, and with no trade protection and a very open policy about talking trade for anyone on the roster, it makes sense the Bruins would be calling Vancouver to see what it would take.

The Canucks can easily move Garland if they want, and there are lots of reports saying he’s one of the most likely Canucks to get traded because the team is rebuilding. He’s 29—not super young for a long rebuild, so he’d likely welcome a move. Boston is right in the playoff mix, and they like his style, thinking he’d fit perfectly to add spark and goals to their middle lines.

Brock Boeser

He’s a bigger goal-scorer, having a down season. He shoots the puck really hard and has been with the Canucks longer than any player on their active roster. Boston’s boss has liked Boeser since he was drafted in 2015.

Reports are that they’ve checked on him at past deadlines and were one of the teams trying to sign him in free agency before he pivoted back to Vancouver and signed a new long-term contract. Vancouver might not want to rush moving him because his value is kinda low right now, but if he’s picky about where he’d be willing to go, the Canucks don’t have the trade leverage they’d like. If Boston is aware that Boeser is open to joining their roster, this is a value deal in the making.

Both players can help the Bruins win now. Garland is more “gettable”, while Boeser might be more the dream target for Sweeney.

With thedeadline just days away, one has to wonder if there’s a fit here. Vancouver is selling, and these two fit what Boston needs: wingers who can score, play tough, and help right away.