Sports are full of interesting “What if?” questions, and it sounds like armchair GMs can add “What if the Boston Bruins traded for Antoine Vermette?” to that list.
The Bruins were intrigued about the forward, but ultimately balked at throwing the first-round pick the Chicago Blackhawks ultimately gave up to get him, according to report by CSNNE.com’s Joe Haggerty.
Bruins were in on Antoine Vermette, per a source, but were unwilling to give up their 1st rounder to make the deal. Smart choice #BruinsTalk
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) March 1, 2015
In some ways, the 32-year-old seems like a great fit for Boston. He can win faceoffs and score in decent quantities.
That said, the Blackhawks have more motivation to go “all-in” while the Bruins don’t exactly know where their first-rounder will fall just yet. Beyond that, many think that the Blackhawks paid far too much for Vermette:
The Hawks gave up a 1st and a prospect for a 4th liner: pic.twitter.com/vCVsGddTdL
— Free Healthcare Wanter🌹 (@MathHappens51) March 1, 2015
Many others may only weigh in on this rumor with hindsight. If Boston misses the playoffs, some may say that Vermette would have put them over the top. Then again, if he underwhelms in Chicago, others will claim that Boston dodged a sizable bullet.
Then again, maybe the real question is: will this keep the door open for a different Bruins trade?
Bruins runner-up on Vermette now regroup. Keep trying on Erik Cole and Chris Stewart among a few others...
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 1, 2015