Bruins Shake Up D-Corps: Will Trade Brandon Carlo Be The Big Move To Rebuild?

The Boston Bruins are known for their fierce competitiveness and commitment to excellence, but even the most storied franchises can't escape the need for a roster overhaul. The 2022-23 season saw the Bruins come up just short of a Stanley Cup repeat, and as the team looks to rebuild and reload, speculation is running rampant about potential trades and moves.

In recent years, the Bruins have shown a willingness to make significant changes to their roster in order to stay ahead of the curve. From the departure of David Pastrnak to the arrival of Arnold Ladion, the Bruins have made it clear that they're not afraid to shake things up in order to get back to the top. And with the 2023 NHL Entry Draft just around the corner, it's likely that we'll see some major moves made in the coming months.

The first order of business for the Bruins will likely be to address their blue line deficiencies. The team struggled to find consistent puck-moving defenders last season, and it's clear that they'll need to bring in some new talent if they want to compete with the likes of Tampa Bay and Toronto. One player who could potentially be on the move is Brandon Carlo.

The Case For Trading Brandon Carlo

Carlo has been a mainstay of the Bruins' blue line for years, but despite his physical presence and overall skillset, he's never quite lived up to the hype. At 6'8" and 240 pounds, Carlo is a force to be reckoned with in front of the net, but he's also shown a tendency to struggle with turnovers and a lack of overall game awareness.

Here are a few reasons why Carlo might be on the move:

• Lack of Offense: Carlo's points-per-game average has steadily declined over the past few seasons, and with a team that's still looking to find its scoring punch, it's hard to justify keeping him around.
• Punts and Gaffes: Carlo has a history of making errors in front of the net, and with a team that can't afford to give up key chances, it's hard to see why he's still a part of the picture.
• Overpaid for his Production: Carlo's contract has been a subject of controversy in the past, and with the Bruins looking to retool their roster, it's possible that they'll be willing to let him go in order to free up cap space.

The Case Against Trading Brandon Carlo

Despite the reasons above, there are also some compelling arguments for keeping Carlo on the Bruins' blue line:

• Physical Presence: Carlo's size and strength are a major asset for the team, and with a lack of physical presence on the blue line, he's a key player in helping to shore up their defensive depth.
• Veteran Leadership: Carlo has been a leader on the team for years, and with a young core of players looking to grow and develop, he provides a much-needed sense of stability and experience.
• Potential Upside: Despite his flaws, Carlo has shown flashes of brilliance on the ice, and with some tweaks to his game and a bit of coaching guidance, it's possible that he could be a major contributor to the team's success in the years to come.

Potential Trade Targets

So who might the Bruins be looking to trade for? Here are a few possibilities:

• Will Rundell: The St. Louis Blues' top prospect is a physical, goal-scoring winger who could provide a much-needed boost to the Bruins' offense.
• Michael Ferraro: The Vegas Golden Knights' defenseman is a mobile, puck-moving blueliner who could provide a much-needed upgrade to the Bruins' defensive depth.
• Jason Robertson: The Toronto Maple Leafs' right winger is a high-powered scorer who could provide a much-needed spark to the Bruins' offense.

Potential Trade Partners

So who might the Bruins be looking to trade with? Here are a few possibilities:

• Ottawa Senators: The Senators have a number of young, talented players who could provide a much-needed boost to the Bruins' roster.
• Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks have a number of veterans on the ice, but also a number of young, talented players who could provide a much-needed injection of energy and enthusiasm.
• Minnesota Wild: The Wild have a number of talented players, including defenseman Jared Spurgeon, who could provide a much-needed upgrade to the Bruins' defensive depth.

Conclusion

The Bruins' decision to trade Brandon Carlo will depend on a number of factors, including the team's specific needs, the value of Carlo's contract, and the market demand for his skills. While there are arguments to be made for keeping Carlo on the roster, there are also compelling reasons to consider trading him. Ultimately, the decision will be made by the Bruins' front office, but one thing is certain: the team will need to make some major moves in order to compete with the likes of Tampa Bay and Toronto.