The Boston Bruins are the last team in the NHL who need to make a move prior to the trade deadline.
That isn't stopping league insiders from incessantly linking them to Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, however.
Though the March 9 deadline is still over two weeks away, it seems as though the NHL has exhausted most of its blockbuster options -- specifically when it comes to moves that have a direct impact on the Bruins.
The Toronto Maple Leafs swung a deal for Ryan O'Reilly and the New York Islanders added Bo Horvat, both moves stemming from a perceived need to improve to have a chance at competing with Boston. They didn't move the needle all that much however, as the Bruins have continued their dominant pace while rolling out the same talent they have all season.
Still, people want to see them make a move, and trading for Gavrikov has seemingly become the likeliest outcome.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Freidman reported Wednesday that "everything points to Massachusetts as the landing spot" for Gavrikov. That comes after Frank Seravalli tabbed the Bruins as the front-runner for the 27-year-old last week.
The Athletic's Aaron Portzline has reported that the Blue Jackets have a trade in place involving Gavrikov, with the Fourth Period's David Pagnotta adding that the framework for a deal is in place on both Columbus and Boston's sides.
The Blue Jackets have held Gavrikov out since Feb. 11, making sure to keep his value at its highest prior to the deadline. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound defenseman is viewed as a left-shot guy who will stay at home on the bottom six.
Essentially, adding him would help take the burden off some of the bigger names like Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm as he can eat up minutes and play really strong defense. Will that be worth the price that the Jackets are asking? That seems to be the final step in helping the Bruins push this one home.
