David Pagnotta just said the Bruins have "another carrot to dangle" as they explore the trade market, and it isn't only their own first-round pick.
The Bruins would "love to be able to add," Pagnotta said on Daily Faceoff Live. That's a notable line for a team sitting 13-4-1 and first in the Atlantic Division.
Pagnotta noted that the second carrot is Toronto's first-round pick, which Boston holds alongside its own. This is a rumor, and he named no target.
He also said he doesn't think the Bruins are "looking at a short term fix." That detail matters more than the picks themselves.
A team chasing a rental doesn't need two firsts. Two firsts are the kind of package you bring to a conversation about a player who sticks around.
We have tracked Boston's name in the market all day. Earlier, we looked at the Bruins in the Dylan Larkin talks, and Pagnotta's comments also touched on Pavel Zacha, which we covered separately.
Why two firsts change Boston's shopping list
Pagnotta's wording suggests Don Sweeney is looking for a piece that helps beyond this season. Combine that with a team that has won 4 straight and owns a +27 goal differential, and Boston is shopping from strength.
A contender with that kind of cushion can be patient. It doesn't have to overpay out of desperation, and it can wait for the right seller.
The Toronto pick is the interesting part. The Maple Leafs are 8-9-2, 21st in the NHL, and have lost 3 straight, so that first could carry real value by the time it's cashed in.
That's the best chip Boston has, and Sweeney knows it. Spending it on a rental would be a mistake, and Pagnotta's read is that the Bruins aren't thinking that way anyway.
Nothing here says a deal is close. What it does say is that when Boston calls, sellers will listen, and the Bruins return to the ice Thursday against the Canadiens.
More to come.
Quick hits
MONTREAL CANADIENSJacob Fowler gets the net on Carey Price night, and Jesper Wallstedt will be at the other end. That's a big stage for a young goalie at the Bell Centre tonight.
NASHVILLE PREDATORSRoman Josi needs one point against the Kings tonight to become the first Switzerland-born player to reach 800 career points. Los Angeles is the place to watch.
NEW YORK RANGERSAlberts Smits is now on injured reserve, according to Peter Baugh. The blue line gets thinner.
VANCOUVER CANUCKSFilip Chytil and Tom Willander are aiming to return Friday night against the Rangers, per Jeff Paterson. Vancouver could use both back.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINSTrevor van Riemsdyk was a full participant in practice this morning after being cleared for contact. A return looks closer ahead of San Jose.
This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, based on public reports and official sources.
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