New York Islanders Defensive Trade Target For Every NHL Team

Matt Grzelcyk | Boston Bruins

Contract: $858,750/1 year, Production: 10pts/37 games, Slot: Bottom Half
Why We Want Him
Matt Grzelcyk is currently holding it down on the third pairing for the Boston Bruins. He has played in 34 games for the Bruins and has eight points (one goal, seven assists) to his name.

This is Grzelcyk’s first real taste of the NHL, only playing in two games last year. He’s a plus 18 if you’re into that and he has 23 blocks in those 34 games played.

Grzelcyk is a great possession player. He’s got a CF% of 56.8 and a CF% rel of 4.0. He’s a solid defensive styled defenseman, and at age 24 he’s another guy you can trade for and have be a part of your future for years to come.

Why We Don’t Want Him
As for on the ice he’s not going to give you much offensively. Over the course of a full season, he’s only on pace for 19 points. Also, as an RFA it’s going to be difficult for Garth Snow to acquire him.

The Bruins will probably like to build a blue line around Grzelcyk and Charlie McAvoy so prying him away won’t be easy.

Garth would have to give up a lot and for a defenseman who is solid defensively who doesn’t give you a lot offensively seems like a risk. If you’re going to go in big, you might as well make a bigger splash and Grzelcyk, although solid, is no big splash.