With the 4 Nations Face-Off in full swing and each team having played one game, attention turns to Saturday night’s matchups at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The highlight of the evening is Canada facing off against Team USA at 8 p.m. While Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney is focused on his role with Team Canada, he’s also likely considering the Bruins’ strategy as the March 7 NHL trade deadline approaches.
The big question remains: Will the Bruins be buyers, sellers, or stand pat? With only three days between the end of the 4 Nations Face-Off and the resumption of NHL games, Boston’s performance upon returning could influence their decision. Trade rumors continue to swirl around key players, and the organization has difficult choices ahead.
One of the most significant decisions is whether to move captain Brad Marchand. Additionally, the futures of Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, Brandon Carlo, and Charlie Coyle are uncertain, as teams may express interest in acquiring them. Another pressing question is what Boston plans to do with Morgan Geekie—keep him as part of their long-term plans or trade him for assets before he potentially prices himself out of their budget?
Geekie has become one of Boston’s top trade assets. After signing a two-year deal with the Bruins following his departure from Seattle, he is having a breakout season. He has already matched his career-high of 17 goals, and his production has surged since the Bruins replaced Jim Montgomery with interim coach Joe Sacco.
Despite recent struggles, Boston remains within reach of an Eastern Conference playoff spot, largely due to Geekie and David Pastrnak’s offensive contributions. The Bruins must now decide whether to secure Geekie’s future in Boston or move him at the deadline to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency, similar to past situations with players like Danton Heinen and Jake DeBrusk.
Geekie would be a valuable addition to a playoff contender, offering depth scoring and versatility in the lineup. He could also contribute to a second power play unit. However, Boston faces a potential salary cap challenge, as Geekie is expected to seek a significant pay raise beyond his current $2 million contract. If the Bruins and Geekie struggle to find common ground on an extension, trading him at the deadline could become a realistic option.