Rumor: Hurricanes helping Bruins in three way deal for Gavrikov

According to multiple online reports, the Boston Bruins have been close to acquiring Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov for the better part of a week now, but have yet to officially pull the trigger. NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman, Darren Dreger and Frank Seravalli have all reported on the potential deal, but most everyone agrees that the Bruins must first clear salary in another deal before they can acquire Gavrikov and remain under the NHL's salary cap.

The 27 year old Gavrikov is one of the top defensemen available ahead of the NHL's March 3rd trade deadline and has featured into trade rumors for weeks now. The Blue Jackets have gone so far as to withhold him from their lineup the past week to facilitate a trade. In 52 games so far this year he has three goals and 10 points. He has a cap hit of $2.8 million and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason. 

NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that the Bruins and Blue Jackets have "the framework" of a Gavrikov trade agreed upon and it includes the Bruins sending a package of a 1st round pick and 3rd round pick, but that the deal is hung up until the Bruins can trade forward Craig Smith.

From Pagnotta:

If the Bruins could rid themselves of Craig Smith and his $3.1 million annual salary, then it'd be easy for them to fit in Gavrikov. Personally though, I'd be wary of making big change to a team who clearly has their chemistry dialed. Sure, if I'm GM Don Sweeney I'm trying to make improvements where I can, but I'm not sure that a big trade with many moving parts is the right move for this team and this particular time.

Still, it sounds like the deal is done pending a taker for Smith. That's where the rival Carolina Hurricanes come in reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

In his lastest 32 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, Friedman reports that the Hurricanes have interest in acquiring Smith.

Check it out:

I believe they’ve spoken to the Bruins about Smith, as Boston might incentivize Carolina to do it. They are in the market for a depth defender, too. Before Max Pacioretty’s injury, there were extension conversations, so we will see where that stands. One Hurricanes prospect who's been discussed is Jack Drury.

- Elliotte Friedman

The Bruins pick up a D and they get a prospect for Smith? Sounds like a win-win!