The Bruins sent out a pricey package of futures to Tampa Bay on Monday: their own second-round picks in 2015 and 2016. Good players go in those rounds, such as Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson, and Ryan Spooner.

The Lightning have been waiting for Brett Connolly to develop into the top-six wing they expected him to become when they drafted him sixth overall in 2010.

But the 22-year-old Connolly, who went four slots after Tyler Seguin, has the hands to make him a go-to NHL scorer for a long time. Connolly has 18 career NHL goals. Twelve of them have taken place in 2014-15, which has been a breakout season for the fourth-year pro. Connolly has most recently skated on Tampa’s third line with Valtteri Filppula and Cedric Paquette.


Most teams don’t let good young players like Connolly get away. But the Lightning have drafted well. Nikita Kucherov (23-31—54), Tampa’s second-round pick in 2011, climbed over Connolly on its depth chart. With Connolly set to be a restricted free agent after this season, the Lightning could afford to let him go for futures.

Connolly will take the pressure off David Pastrnak, the 18-year-old pushed into a top-six role. Connolly doesn’t play a grinding, physical game like Jarome Iginla, David Krejci’s former right wing, but Connolly is slippery and skilled enough to ride with Krejci when the center returns from a partial MCL tear in his left knee.

Connolly’s acquisition also gives the Bruins future options. They could explore the trade market for Eriksson, who has one year remaining on his deal at $4.25 million annually. The Bruins like Eriksson as a third-line wing, but not at his price.

The Bruins aren’t finished before today’s 3 p.m. deadline. They need help on defense. But they’ve finally addressed their right-side deficiencies, and not via the rental route.


Brett Connolly career stats Games Goals Assists Plus/minus Shooting % 2014-15 50 12 3 4 16.2 Career 134 18 14 -13 9.5 DATA : NHL Globe Staff

Related coverage:

■ Bruins need help to guarantee playoff spot

■ As trade deadline nears, Bruins players hope to stay put

Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawa@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeFluto.