“The trade deadline is always kind of a turning point for everybody to kick it up and try to raise the intensity level.’’
The Bruins will be in a similar position prior to this year’s Feb. 27 trade deadline. They aren’t necessarily looking for a puck-moving defenseman, but they’d like to add a left-shot D-man without giving up a roster player. They’d also prefer to introduce fresh blood either before or during a six-game road swing that kicks off in Montreal Feb. 15.
Last night, one of their likely acquisition targets was on the ice, albeit in the wrong uniform.
Carolina defenseman Tim Gleason, who would have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, signed a four-year, $16 million extension with the Hurricanes this week.
The Bruins, along with most of their competitors, would have been interested in adding the hard-nosed Gleason to their roster.
Other possibilities include Montreal’s Hal Gill, Carolina’s Bryan Allen, Tampa Bay’s Brett Clark, and the Islanders’ Mike Mottau.
While there might be a bidding war for Gill, prices for any of the experienced defensemen shouldn’t be extravagant. They would all fit the profile of what the Bruins are seeking: a veteran character player who can provide depth for the stretch run and postseason.
By bringing in a defenseman before the deadline, it will give the Bruins almost two months before the start of the playoffs to adjust to a new player.
Reflecting on last year, Adam McQuaid said, “It was a tough time with losing [Mark Stuart] and [Blake Wheeler]. At the same time, it was very exciting to bring in a guy like Kabby.
“We went on that nice winning streak right from the get-go. It’s a little give-and-take. But we saw right off the bat that he brought a different element - patience, slowing the play down.
“It was an exciting time to bring in someone like that to our team.’’
Horton out again
Nathan Horton sat out his third straight game last night because of concussion symptoms, which include headaches.
