The Boston Bruins are currently active in the trade market, reportedly, and are looking to acquire a top-6 forward - and more specifically, a right wing - to add to the roster. The latest name to surface in connection with Boston's needs is that of the Buffalo Sabres' Chris Stewart.
A report from TSN's Bob McKenzie via The Fourth Period, says that the Bruins, along with a number of other teams, are interested in acquiring Stewart's services:
"Stewart could potentially fill the role that former Bruins' forwards Nathan Horton and Jarome Iginla occupied before both were lost to free agency in separate seasons."
The report from The Fourth Period also notes that Boston had interest in Stewart last season and that acquiring him would involve some maneuvering on their part as he carries a $4.15 million cap hit and the team currently has about $3 million in cap space.
The idea of trading Stewart within the division - and to a rival no less - may be a prohibitive element to a possible deal for Buffalo, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.
"The Bruins most likely will try to add a top-six winger and it's believed that among the wingers of interest to Boston is Chris Stewart of the Buffalo Sabres, a pending UFA whom Buffalo will most likely move," said LeBrun. "Now, whether or not the Sabres would move him to a rival within the division remains to be seen. Although, the Sabres have had discussions over the past few months with divisional foe Detroit regarding defenseman Tyler Myers. So who knows, maybe the Sabres don't care."
Others are saying that, while there is definite interest on Boston's part and Buffalo is open to making a deal, their asking price for Stewart may be too hefty.
"Boston and Buffalo did talk quite seriously about Chris Stewart, but it doesn't appear at this time to be a match," wrote SportsNet Canada's Elliotte Friedman regarding the trade potential. "According to other teams, the Sabres want two young players (or a young player and a draft pick) for the winger and couldn't reach an agreement with the Bruins. Buffalo won't make the move early unless it gets what it wants."
