Bruins Trade For Recchi, Montador

By KC Downey in Bruins, Featured, Top Story ⋅ March 4, 2009 at 5:39pm ⋅ Post a comment

The Bruins made a couple moves at the trade deadline to give the squad a boost as the chase for the playoffs hits the home stretch. Boston acquired 41-year-old winger Mark Recchi from the Lightning and defensman Steve Montador from the Ducks in separate deals.

Boston acquired Recchi and a 2010 second-round pick for defensman Matt Lashoff and forward Martins Karsums. Recchi, a seven-time All-Star and two-time Stanley Cup Champion, has had a strong season so far, totaling 13 goals and 32 assists in 62 games for the Lightning.

GM Peter Chiarelli also traded forward Petteri Nokelainen to Anahiem for Montador. The 29-year-old comes to Boston with four goals and a career-high 16 assists in 65 games this season for the Ducks.

Trade Analysis

Looks like the Bruins improved their depth without having to give up any of the core guys like Phil Kessel or Patrice Bergeron. They even got to keep backup goaltender Manny Fernandez.

In Recchi, the Bruins picked up a veteran on a relatively young offensive attack. The 41-year-old should help players both on and off the ice with his experience.

In Montador, the Bruins picked up an aggressive defenseman to help raise the B’s defensive toughness. He has tallied 125 penalty minutes thus far, so you know he’s prepared to defend himself and teammates when needed.

Trade Deadline Grade: B+

The Bruins didn’t make a big splash by acquiring Chris Pronger or Keith Tkachuk, but they I think they did enough to improve the team a bit. On the other hand, they weren’t forced to trade any of their core talent while still improving the team, and for that, Chiarelli deserves credit.