Is something Bruin?

So here we are, another week, another trade deadline. This one for the NHL and most likely a more active one than the NBA, although nothing major has yet to go down.

The Bruins are tough to peg today. They could be major players (Chris Pronger), bit players (Derek Morris, Keith Tkachuk) or do nothing at all. The B’s hold practice at 11:30 today so be sure to check the blogs from the beat writers, who you know will be scouring to see if anyone is missing. If, say, Phil Kessel isn’t out practicing…look out…there’s something big Bruin. If someone major like that was out, I’d be sure to keep you posted.

[UPDATE: Young forward Petteri Nokelainen was held out practice. Looks like he'll be dealt. Probably means Recchi or Morris. Nothing big unless the price for Pronger is less than we think.]

Meanwhile, here’s a little friendly guide to some potential B’s moves for you non-puckheads:

Derek Morris, D, Phoenix Coyotes
Morris is player most likely to be donning the Black and Gold tomorrow. I really had no idea who this guy was before last week. But apparently he has a hard slapper and can help on the powerplay. I guess…but his totals (5-7-12, -13) aren’t impressive. Product of a bad team? Perhaps. The best part is he would only cost a draft pick or low-level prospect in return.

Keith Tkachuk, F, St. Louis Blues

Rumored to be traded for weeks now, the Melrose, Mass. native and BU alum looks like he’s going to stay put. With the Blues’ recent surge taking them to within three points of the eight seed in the Western Conference it looks like the club will hang out to this bruising and still effective (18-18-36) winger. Sucks. He would have given the B’s some size and scoring up front and he’s a local guy.

Chris Pronger, D, Anaheim Ducks
This man is a beassssttt. The former EA Sports coverboy is a 6-6 defensemen who can skate and move the puck. He’s force on the powerplay and in his own zone. To pair him up with another beast in Chara…well it just wouldn’t be fair. The price tag is high – think Kessel or Wheeler with a pick and another prospect – but my God, you only have so many chances to win the cup. Ship Wheeler or Kessel outta here and get this man. There’s probably a 5% chance it would happen, but the Bruins have at least kicked the tires on it. Hey, with their recent drop in play lately, you never know.

Mark Recchi, F, Tampa Bay Lightning
Another guy who would fit in nicely with the Bruins. Recchi has still got it (13-32-45 on a crappy Tampa Bay team) and he has what Boston covets: a left-handed shot. You know how you’re always scratching your head when you see PJ Axelsson up on the powerplay? That’s how bad the B’s left-handed situation is – PJ on the powerplay. The Bruins’ PP system calls for someone with a natural lefty shot. Recchi is the answer.

Dominic Moore, F, Toronto Maple Leafs
Another dude with a left shot, Moore can play center and wing. He has 12 goals and 29 assists on a punchless Leafs’ squad and would be a valuable addition to the Bruins. He is certainly going to get dealt, as he was held out of Toronto’s game last night along with Nik Antropov. Once a target of Boston, the rumors have died down a bit that he’d be coming to Beantown.