Possible trade options for Bruins on deadline day

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The NHL trade deadline day has finally arrived and the Bruins are still on the clock.

Through a dearth of available, attractive players, an unwillingness to deal players off their current NHL roster and a lack of top-level prospects at the AHL level, its been a challenge for Bs general manager Peter Chiarelli.

But there are still deals to be made for the Black and Gold, and they need to get a couple of transactions done with holes along the forward and defenseman ranks. The Bruins need another right wing as insurance should either Nathan Horton or Rich Peverley have difficulty getting healthy in time for the playoffs, and an experienced extra defensemen is another roster spot that needs an upgrade.

With that in mind here are some of the best players left that could be linked with the Bruins:

Mike KnubleHe made sense on many different levels for the Bruins (net-front presence, leadership and size around the net), but it appears that the Capitals wont be selling after a few wins right before the deadline. Its too bad given the limited role hes been handed in Washington.

Ryan MaloneAnother big body that could fill the Horton role with David Krejci and Milan Lucic, but hes got a no-movement clause and carries a contract that would heave Chiarelli heartburn. Three more years at more than a 4 million cap hit isnt what any NHL GM is looking for with a limited player that hasnt lived up to his billing in Tampa Bay this year. Hes on a pace for 17 goals and a minus-21 this season and its difficult to see things getting better at 32 years old.

David Jones, Daniel Winnik and T.J. GaliardiJones is the most attractive of the trio of Colorado Avalanche forwards with 27 goals scored last season and on pace for another 20-goal season this year. Winnik is a former University of New Hampshire star that has carved out a decent career in Phoenix and Colorado. Galiardi is a 23-year-old that had 15 goals two years ago. None are particularly sexy names on the trade market, but there arent many of those left available for the price Boston is willing to pay.

Sheldon Souray and Michael RyderPossibly the oddest rumors have the Bruins trying to chase down a reunion with Ryder as the Stars appear to be sellers despite sitting in playoff position. No shot of this happening with the Bruins being forced to commit to another contracted year of Ryder if they brought him back, and its still doubtful Dallas blows up their roster. Souray is intriguing and could be an option for the Bruins if theyre willing to pay that price. Its expected Souray would cost prospects rather than any roster players.

Ray WhitneyAnybody that thinks Whitney is still available in trade isnt much of a hockey fan. The Phoenix Coyotes are kicking butt and taking names, and is looking to add players rather than subtract.

Andrei Kostitsyn and PK SubbanThe Habs have reportedly kicked around the notion of trading both players, but there is little shot theyd trade either player to their mortal NHL rivals. No way would the Habs risk getting beaten by Subban in a Bruins uniform on a regular basis. Not gonna happen.

Bryan AllenA 31-year-old veteran defenseman that can play the physical game and wouldnt come with an extreme price tag. Allen can play close to 20 minutes a night and would be good insurance in case of postseason injuries along their blueline.

Drew StaffordThe kind of forward that could create an impact for a Bruins team looking for another offensive option with Horton and Peverley down, and hes always played well against the Bruins. The question is the price tag for a Buffalo team that should be coming to grips with this season.

Samuel PahlssonWould only cost a middling prospect and would be a creative solution for Chiarelli and Co. It wouldnt really arrive as a solution for Hortons absence, but would allow the Bruins to move some players around to find solutions. Moving David Krejci to wing has given the Bruins a little bit wider net to cast for forward replacements and it's clear Columbus is motivated to move the center.

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