Even due to unconvincing recent performances, the Boston hockey team is looking for reinforcements for the NHL playoffs. In exchange, a young member of the Czech colony there could take it away.
As recently as last year, six Czechs played in the main team of the Boston Bruins.
But David Krejčí ended his career, Tomáš Nosek left and Jakub Zbořil fell to the farm, from where – at least so far – he has not bounced back.
Currently, the Czech colony in Boston consists only of forwards David Pastrňák, Pavel Zacha and Jakub Lauko. In addition, there is a risk of replacement. Again.
Three years ago he aroused interest as a young farmer, last year already as an occasional NHL player.
Now he plays full-time in the best league in the world, but he hasn’t shaken off the label of a forward who could come in handy during a trade.
Not that he was doing anything wrong. In 40 games, he had a modest record of 2+5, but when it comes to skating, points and forcing the opponent’s fouls, he is one of the best on the team. At the same time, he does not even take up $800,000 under the salary cap.
“He brings a lot of toughness to our team, he plays physically,” Boston coach Jim Montgomery assessed the 23-year-old Czech. “He’s not like Krejci, Pasta or Zacha. He’s more of a classic North American hard worker for the fourth line. We benefit a lot from his speed and willingness to go to places where it hurts.”
But precisely because of this role, which brings him a very limited ice time of 9:26, Lauko is replaceable. 27-year-old summer signing Anthony Richard is showing similar performances after his recent promotion from the farm.
Lauko, who is four years younger and has a higher value on the market, could thus be used in exchange for a hockey player whom the Bruins need more now. This is an attacker in the second or third line, or a strong defender.
Official from another online journal club The Athletic under the promise of anonymity, he confirmed that Lauko could attract interest on the market. “I just don’t know if you get a really big name for him. There are enough players like him,” he added.
Boston would probably have to add something to Lauk in order to catch a significant reinforcement.
For players like the Czech winger, i.e. youngsters from the fourth line, who could flourish with more space, but there is generally interest among general managers.
The question is who would complement Lauk. The Bruins still have one of the worst talent pools in the league and have traded away first, second and third round picks in the past trades. Resources are limited. So does a spot under the salary cap.
But Boston needs to strengthen. Although he belongs to the top of the league, he is far from last year’s dominance.
It was originally predicted that the center of the offense would be a problem after the departure of experienced centers Krejci and Patrice Bergeron. However, Zach and Charlie Coyle patched the hole satisfactorily.
The overseas media agree that the Bruins should mainly look for a tough back who will relieve the too-tested goalkeepers, and a winger in the second or third formation.
Only Pastrňák and captain Brad Marchand shine on the wing. The others – even if they pay off a lot in some cases – play unevenly.
It will be clear about Boston’s reinforcements and whether Lauko will stay until March 8, when the NHL has scheduled this year’s transfer deadline.
