Patrice Bergeron's Replacement in Boston May Have Already Been Found

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Wade Messier
July 17, 2023 (4:37 PM)

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It's no secret that the Boston Bruins are patently awaiting the verdict from Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci regarding their retirement decision. It was the same situation last year, and while they may have come back once, Boston isn't counting on them returning this summer.

Plan B

A new report has surfaced via Stefen Rosner of NHL.com that indicates the Bruins and Islanders may be talking trade, specifically for one of New York's centermen.

"There's a rumor going around that the #Isles and #NHLBruins are in talks regarding DeBrusk/Pageau.

Haven't heard a thing. Pretty sure it's speculation because if Bergeron and Krejci retire, Bruins need a center.

Can't see Isles moving Pageau unless it's for an elite scorer."

This would seem to indicate that Bergeron and Krejci are leaning towards retirement, and Boston has already begun looking for a replacement for the two veterans. Pageau is a natural center and could be exactly what Boston is looking for, even if the price is steep.

More Pieces

Rosner continued on, saying that there could be more pieces on either side of this deal, adding some complexity to it, rather than it being a straight-up hockey trade.

"That's not to say those two were the only names that would be involved IF there was any truth to this. However, I personally wouldn't do Pageau for DeBrusk, which means I certainly wouldn't do Pageau & X for DeBrusk."

The NHL.com writer made it quite clear how he felt about the value of this deal, noting that he would need more from Boston if he were in New York's shoes. Perhaps a mid-round draft pick or a prospect such as Mason Lohrei could sway New York toward pulling the trigger.

This isn't to say that Boston sees the value similarly, but it will be interesting to watch over the next few weeks.

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