Bruins could consider trading top postseason performer

The 2023 NHL Draft Lottery will be taking place tonight, and one lucky team will be able to soon make their 1st overall selection of phenom forward Connor Bedard of the Western Hockey League's Regina Pats. He's drawn comparisons to both Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, and is projected to enjoy a franchise-altering career in the same vein as the two aforementioned former 1st overall picks. 

But in the meantime, the Bruins are left wondering what this offseason will bring them now that they're done playing after their shocking 1st round exit at the hands of the Florida Panthers. Could one of their best performers from what was ultimately an ill-fated seven game series against the Panthers soon be on the move? 

Forward Taylor Hall, who had a rather mediocre regular season with 16 goals but caught fire in the postseason with five goals in seven games, could be a candidate to be dealt in order to free up cap space. Additionally, forward Jake DeBrusk could also be a candidate to be moved for the same reasons. 

According to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, it's "possible" that Hall or DeBrusk (or both) could soon be on the move. Take a look at his reasoning in the latest edition of the Bruins Mailbag:  

Q: Should the Bruins be trading Taylor Hall and/or Jake DeBrusk to clear cap space? — James M.

A: "It’s possible. Hall is 31. At that age, forwards are always at risk of decline. DeBrusk is 26 but unrestricted after next season and due a raise. The problem is how short the Bruins are at forward. Whether trading either or both makes them better is hard to say." 

Hall is under contract for another two seasons with the Bruins that carries a cap hit of $6 million. Meanwhile, DeBrusk is entering the final season of his two-year contract that carries a cap hit of $4 million.