The Boston Bruins are looking to bolster their roster at left defence -- and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman says the NHL's top team is taking a hard look at Vladislav Gavrikov of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Jakob Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes.
"I do think one of the reasons Gavrikov was given the trade-related sit out by the Columbus Blue Jackets is because the Bruins are in on him," Friedman said on 32 Thoughts on Hockey Night in Canada before noting they also are looking at Chychrun.
Both players have been held out of games this week because of 'trade-related reasons.'
With their teams both well out of the playoff mix, Gavrikov and Chychrun have seen their names in many trade rumours. The trade deadline is March 3.
Chychrun's contract runs for two more years at an average annual value of $4.6 million, while Gavrikov is a pending UFA.
Gavrikov's salary this season is $2.8 million.
"One of the issues I believe is (the salary) cap. The Bruins have to do some things to make this work," Friedman said.
Sportsnet's Jeff Marek said another left-shooting defenceman attracting attention on the trade market is Dmitry Kulikov of the Anaheim Ducks.
He expects more attention to turn to Kulikov after Gavrikov is dealt.
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