NHL Rumors: Boston Bruins Trade on the Way

While speaking with the media, Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery announced that Derek Forbort could return to the lineup on Tuesday. Although Boston will be ecstatic to have the 6-foot-4 shutdown defenseman back, they also need to clear out cap space before they can activate him. As a result, a trade is likely on the way.

Mike Reilly stands out as the most likely player to be moved. The 29-year-old is currently playing for the Providence Bruins as a cap casualty and has requested a trade because of it. The primary obstacle at this juncture is his $3 million cap hit until the end of the 2023-24 season. Due to the fact that he has cleared waivers twice, it seems more likely than not that Boston will need to throw in a sweetener to move his contract.

Craig Smith also is a possible player we could see moved. His placement on Boston's depth chart has fallen, and the Bruins would love to rid of his $3.1 million cap hit because of it. When utilized this season, he has one goal, two assists, and a plus-1 rating in 12 games. Like Reilly, a trade centering around Smith will need to include a sweetener because of the Bruins' well-known salary cap dilemma. 

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