Bruins Acquire Horton

The Boston Bruins acquired winger/center Nathan Horton and winger Gregory Campbell from Florida today for defenseman Denis Wideman, the 15th overall pick in this year's draft, and another pick. The move does a lot to improve the offense of the second lowest scoring team in the NHL by adding a 25-year old talent that has the potential to be a point per game player on a good team. He led the Panthers in scoring last season despite playing only 66 games, and has posted two 62-point seasons and one 31-goal season. The move arguably helps Florida by adding an experienced blue-liner to the mix (though one that has certainly lost his luster, to put it kindly) and a first round pick in this year's draft.

I like the acquisition, however, this certainly leaves a lot of questions for Boston this summer. Firstly, I was surprised that they gave up their second first round pick, as this year seemed like the year that the Bruins were going to be able to revitalize an aging injury plagued team with a slew of young talent. Secondly, the move leaves a hole at the blue line, and a big question mark at center as to what to do with all these pivot players. It is possible that they could pursue Toronto's Tomas Kaberle like they tried to do last summer. Kaberle, a veteran puck moving defenseman, would certainly fill that hole and add to the team's offensive ability. Also, the Leafs are in desperate need of players in their top two lines, and a first line center would be ideal for Toronto to put on a line with Phil Kessel. My guess is Krejci and either some prospects or another player go to Toronto in return for Kaberle. Thus, Boston would have room for Tyler Seguin, and a veteran defenseman to replace Wideman, as Toronto would gain a first line center to feed Kessel, and some good young pieces to build around.