By: Michael DeRosa | Check me out on Twitter @michael_derosa4

Gustav Nyquist was one of the top-six wingers that the Bruins were linked to this Trade Deadline. However, it has been reported that he has been traded to the San Jose Sharks for a second-round pick, as well as a third-round selection. It is important to note that the third-round pick will turn into a second if the Sharks make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, or if he decides to re-sign there. However, even if that occurs, it is clear that this was not a large package for a very solid scorer.

The conditional third-round draft pick in the 2020 NHL Draft would become a second-round pick in the same draft should the Sharks advance to the 2019 Stanley Cup Final or should Nyquist re-sign with the Sharks. https://t.co/ru8SKHFhuR — Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 25, 2019

The Bruins were reportedly close to making a deal happen with the Red Wings, but they ultimately decided to avoid trading within the division. This makes sense, as it could have been possible that Nyquist would have liked to stay in Boston after the trade. However, his services would have been greatly appreciated in Beantown. He would have been the perfect second-line winger, especially when seeing as how the Bruins likely would have been able to keep their first-rounder in a move.

BOS believed to be the Eastern Conference team that was closest to landing Nyquist. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2019

When looking at Nyquist’s statistics, it is clear that he is a very effective forward at the NHL level. This season has been a particularly solid one for the veteran, as he has put up 16 goals and 49 points in 62 games. Keep in mind, he has been playing with an offensively weak Red Wings club. It is fair to assume that he would have slotted perfectly on the second line with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. Yet, he will likely have a lot of fun in San Jose though with their stacked offensive core.

The list of players available is definitely decreasing, and this will continue to occur as the day progresses. In terms of an overall fit, Nyquist very well could have the been the perfect one. If Wayne Simmonds was the same player he was three years ago, he would be a great addition, but his offensive numbers are decreasing rapidly. The idea of acquiring Mark Stone is a very appealing one, but at the same time, it would end up costing the Bruins an immense amount. Nyquist, on the other hand, clearly would have been a solid gamble, even if his offensive numbers are a bit lower than Stone’s.

Asking around, I get the sense that the price on Mark Stone for the Bruins is way, way too high, even for an "all in" move. Could be the start of a deadline day prayer that somebody throws the moon at them, but something to consider before your inevitable 4:30 p.m. sadness nap. — Ty Anderson (@_TyAnderson) February 25, 2019

After the Bruins went on their seven-game winning streak, it became even clearer that they need to be buyers. There is definitely potential for them to have a deep playoff run, but if they are to succeed, it is absolutely essential that they bring in a top-six forward. They simply need to improve upon the lineup that they currently have. The addition of Charlie Coyle gave them the solid third-line center they were searching for, but more is needed. The Atlantic Division has become the best one in the NHL, so the Bruins need to keep up.

Losing out on Gustav Nyquist is not something that is going to sink the Bruins’ season. However, he definitely would have been a solid addition if a deal came into fruition. One cannot blame the Red Wings for deciding to go against trading with the Bruins, but man, bringing in a player of Nyquist’s caliber for that price would have been perfect. Alas, we will have to see what the Bruins end up doing in the upcoming hours.

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