Elliotte Friedman explains failed trade that happened in Boston

Earlier today, we shared the report from Aaron Portzline of The Athletic that the Boston Bruins had a deal in place with the Columbus Blue Jackets that fell through just before they turn to Washington. On Thursday, the Bruins acquired defenseman Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway from the Capitals in return for forwards Craig Smith and Andrei Svetlakov, along with a trio of picks: a first-round pick in 2023, a second-round pick in 2025 and a third-round pick in 2024. The Minnesota Wild was also involved, taking on part of Orlov’s salary as a third-party “broker”.

Portzline explained that “the Blue Jackets firmly felt they had a deal in place with Boston for more than a week that would have sent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the Bruins for multiple picks and/or players.”

The Bruins reportedly asked for more time and the Blue Jackets obliged, only to find out Boston had dealt elsewhere.

However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman defended the Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney during the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, stating that “there is a difference of opinion between Columbus and Boston when it comes to the Gavrikov trade talks, Columbus felt they had a verbal agreement and even more than that, Boston says no, nothing is done until it’s done.”

The Blue Jackets might still get offers from the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs or Los Angeles Kings. Friedman himself also mentioned how the Blue Jackets were possibly looking at flipping Gavrikov in order to get some first round pick to land Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes.

Just one week to go and maybe this aborted deal between the Bruins and Jackets won’t be the only one…

Recommended articles:

• Rumor: Patrick Kane to the Rangers, immediately after Bruins make a big trade?
• Bruins acquire Orlov in three team trade
• Bruins and Capitals reportedly hook up on a trade
• Bruins F Brad Marchand: “Nobody cares!”