Bruins and Avalanche emerge as front runners for Chris Kreider and Joe Thornton

Chris Kreider has been #1 on TSN's Trade Bait Board since December and without a new contract, Frank Seravalli of TSN wrote today that the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche have emerged as the "front runners" to acquire the 28 year old pending UFA Kreider. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun also stated that the San Jose Sharks would like to give Joe Thornton the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup, Garrioch also lists the Bruins and Av's as the front runners to land Jumbo Joe if he decides to waive his full no-trade clause. 

With the recent injury to Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen, Colorado has the assets and cap space to add both Chris Kreider and Joe Thornton. The Bruins can likely only afford one of the two, they have been after the hometown Kreider all season. It appears that Boston may be going all-in for one more shot at Lord Stanley's Cup. Would Thornton or Kreider put the Bruins over the top?