3 Team That Could Claim Or Trade For Bruins' Zboril

Jakub Zboril's time with the Boston Bruins is coming to an end as he was placed on waivers yesterday for any team to pick him up and give him a shot he isn't getting in Boston. This pretty much closes the book on another one of the 2015 first round picks of the Bruins that didn't go well.

It's no guarantee that Zboril will be claimed off of waivers, but it's likely there will be interest and he will find himself on another team this season. He has a cap hit of $1.137 million AAV and the 26-year-old is a UFA at the end of the season. He hasn't gotten into a game with the Bruins this season and he has just one goal and 16 points in 76 career games in the NHL. Let's look at teams that could find a use for him.

Chicago Blackhawks

For the most part, the Chicago Blackhawks have embraced the rebuilding stage of their organization and on their NHL team. Many of their roster players are young and being given a chance, with some veterans sprinkled in there as well. They could use another man on the back-end to help out, especially with Seth Jones and David Tinordi out with injuries. Zboril can play both sides, so he could either take the spot of one of the four players on entry-level deals, or Nikita Zaitsev who has to be in the lineup because of the lack of talent.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been managing with a lot of defensive injuries and three defensemen that arguably shouldn't even be in the lineup. I think they still need some help. As a contender, we of course look to someone who could make a big impact. But what about someone looking for an opportunity? Zboril could find one for the time being in Toronto. The Maple Leafs could slot him in on the left side here and there to get a different look. He isn't very expensive and it wouldn't negatively impact them to acquire some depth.

Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild continue to struggle this season and once again need some help on the back-end. They have been reluctant to use Alex Goligoski this season when he has been healthy because he is now pretty ineffective. With Jonas Brodin landing on the IR, it creates even more of a need to add help on the back-end in the form of cheaper depth. Zboril is the Wild's best immediate option and would allow Daemon Hunt to be sent back down to the AHL to get playing time.