The Boston Bruins are on the hunt for a defenceman.
General manager Don Sweeney said on a conference call Wednesday that he thinks the Bruins need another transitional player on their blue line and says his team will be aggressive in finding a fit.
“We’re looking for balance,” Sweeney said. “We’re also looking for players like Colin Miller to take the next step. We’ve got younger players that will hopefully push, and that’s what you want.
“I’ll explore whatever I have to do, in every way, shape, or form to continue to improve the club and find the blend and the balance that we need.”
Boston allowed 228 goals this season, which ranked 12th in the NHL. The Bruins traded young defenceman Dougie Hamilton to the Calgary Flames last summer for draft picks.
Another key element of their back end, Torey Krug, is due to become a restricted free agent this off-season.
“We’ve had talks with Torey and we’ll find, whatever term that ends up being, we’ll find a contract for him,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney pointed towards prospects such as Matt Grzelcyk, Rob O’Gara and Jeremy Lauzon as players that could push the defensive core that Boston already has.
The Bruins drafted Lauzon in the second round of the 2015 NHL draft. The 19-year-old is currently playing for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies at the Memorial Cup and is a player that Sweeney sees potential in.
“I just came back from seeing Lauzon play,” Sweeney said. “Very excited about the trajectory of that player and the possibility down the road, depending on what his development curve looks like and when he gets in here and playing against the men.”
Boston narrowly missed out on a playoff berth this season, falling short of an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
