After trade talks with several teams during the 1st round of the Entry Draft, it looked like the Bruins wouldn't be trading their 1st round rookie pick at #28. Although there had been some interesting discussions and different possibilities, nothing came of them. But as the #28 pick approached, things heated up.
Bruins management identified two needs heading into this season. One was to add a reliable RW who could help with scoring. The other was to add a solid d'man to add some depth after the Bruins lost two useful d'men in Tim Gleason and Stephane Robidas in the Dispersal Draft. In the end, we were able to address both needs in the same deal.
The trade saw well liked center Martin Hanzal, Zac Dalpe (C), Steve Bernier (RW) along with Bos' 1st (#28, Evgeny Kuznetsov) and 2nd (#58, Rickard Rakell) picks move to the Florida Panthers in return for two-way center/right wing Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa (D) and throw in Trevor Smith (LW).
By adding Kesler, we get more flexibility as he can both be used in a top six role as a RW or as a 3rd line center. Either way he'll be a boost to a Bruins team that is aiming to defend the Cup. Bieksa on the other hand gives the back line some much needed depth.
In the end, the scouting department and team management felt that even though there were a couple of interesting rookies available at #28 pick, no one would help the team in their Cup quest as much as Kesler and Bieksa. Both bring something to the table that will surely make the Bruins a more difficult team to play against than prior to the trade.
