Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are the last no-brainer of the group. They’ve been tied to Palmieri for years. It always seems like their fans love the player, and it makes a lot of sense on paper. The Bruins are another team with an incredible top six that would fit Palmieri’s sniper mentality. He could immediately jump on the second line to give a scoring punch with Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci.
The Bruins are always willing to spend to make themselves Stanley Cup contenders. They’ve been at the top of the league almost every year, but it’s gone under the radar that they haven’t been able to get over the hump. They’ve only won one Stanley Cup championship in this era, and it came 10 years ago. After getting so close so many times, the Bruins will be willing to part with pieces to finish their puzzle.
What pieces would the Devils look to target? For one, as with just about everyone, a 1st-round pick will start the conversation. The Bruins will hope it ends the conversation, but more negotiations will be needed.
The Devils could opt to go after a massive prospect instead of the 1st rounder. Unfortunately, the Bruins have the worst prospects in the league according to Scott Wheeler of The Athletic. There are still some interesting pieces. Jack Studnicka was good in his first season in the AHL, putting up 49 points in 60 games for the Providence Bruins. He’s been up and down between the AHL and NHL and taxi squad this season. Urho Vaakanainen has always been an intriguing prospect, and he’s spent most of his time on the taxi squad this season. The defenseman could eventually come into his own, but he might not be enough to get Palmieri by himself anymore.